TEXAN THOMPSONS

Spring Brings a Stink Bug, Soccer, Scouts and Singing

2011-10-05T11:27:00.000-07:00

[Been a while, I know, gonna try to catch up]

STINK BUG: When the note came home from asking the kids to indicate which part they wanted in the school play, Riley immediately said "Either the Stink Bug or the Maggot." Well, after seeing the play from beginning to end, I know exactly why those were his choices ... comic relief. Riley LOVES to make people laugh. When you laugh at anything he does, his heart just swells. That is his love language. I am pretty sure the love language of laughing is not in that book (The Five Love Languages), but I know my boy and that is his.

So, he got the part of the Stink Bug. Here he is in his costume. Cheapest costume I have ever made.

Green Shirt - Goodwill $1.50
Green Hair Spray - Walmart $1.25
Green Face Paint - Dollar Tree $1.00

He was very pleased with how he looked.

In case you were wondering, the Stink Bug would stand in the bug crowd during the songs and then run across the stage between songs, while everyone held their nose and made smelly, stinky faces. This was funny. Riley really hammed it up. Then towards the end of the play, he had a bit of dialog in which he commented on the fact that leaving him out of the picnic just because he stinks isn't quite fair, blah, blah, blah. The point is, he was funny and people laughed ... and he loved it!

What he didn't love was the week or so after when the kids at school would hold their nose and talk about how he stinks at school. I didn't care for that either.

SOCCER: So, we signed Victoria up for a social club, oh I mean soccer. Yes there was a ball and some goals and some running and even uniforms, but to Victoria, this was a time to meet up with friends, pick them flowers, talk about shoes and clothes, and have a snack. She had a blast! And she learned the game and even scored once ... we think.

SCOUTS: Riley has moved on to become a bear scout. He is enjoying cub scouts. And Carey is enjoying being his den leader. We took a train ride to downtown Dallas and went to the Aquarium with the den. The boys really enjoyed that. This is such a great organization. Teaching boys how to be men.

SINGING: Music is a big thing in this house. We love it. Whether singing with our voices or playing an instrument. Performing is a love of ours too. Put the two together and you have a musical ... love musicals!!! This year the Children's Choir performed Survivor Babylon. The story of the fiery furnace told with a bit of The Survivor television program twist. Lots of fun. I worked with the 3 and 4 year old's this past year. That was definitely a challenge, but it was fun ... for the most part. At least, I hope they had fun and learned about singing to God. Riley had a speaking part in this program as well. And which part did he get you ask ... well one of the boys telling a joke of course!

Sisters

2011-05-19T11:24:00.001-07:00

With Riley at school, these two little girls get to spend alot of time together.

Victoria is Four

2011-05-19T10:39:00.000-07:00

I love four. I just loved it when Riley was four. So many wonderful memories. Maybe it was because I was no longer working and was finally able to be a stay-at-home mom and just enjoy my time with him. I don't know. But I love four.

Victoria is four and I love it as well. She is full of questions, believes that she can do anything, and goes and goes until she crashes.

Victoria likes: Being in charge, wearing her hair all natural with no bows or clips or rubber bands, shoes, taking baths, being outside, waffles, cheese, going anywhere (not a home body at all), trains, music, dancing, blue coconut slush with a real cherry from Sonic, anything that comes on PBS for kids, playing on my iphone, church, pre-school, having Pops and Gigi over, going to Pops and Gigis' house, talking, peanut butter (found an open jar in her room recently), soccer, ice cream, running, riding bikes with Daddy, playing with Juliet and Riley, helping Mommy, playing with friends, carrots, bananas, and races.

Victoria dislikes: Getting her hair brushed, going to bed, pasta, naps, leaving a friends house, Walmart, casseroles (doesn't like her food all mixed up), not getting to do what Riley does, trying new foods, not knowing what we are doing for the day (a bit of a planner ... wonder where she gets that from), wearing socks, and syrup on pancakes (but ok on waffles?).

When she does something wrong, she always says "That's ok Mommy." She is constantly sneaking food. She thinks she is starving. Loves to listen to music at night when she is in bed. Always wants to have people come over to our house. Very much the hostess. Would ride her bike everyday. She is totally into anything that Riley is ... star wars, cheetahs, reading ... she wants to be like her big brother so bad. She is very inquisitive about God and where he is and what he is doing. She is like her big brother in that she doesn't share much about her day. So when she does tell me something that happened to her when she was away, I hang on her every word. She loves to hide when Daddy comes home or when Pops and Gigi come by. She is really into surprising people. She thinks it is hilarious! She is SO ticklish. She is great at being a big sister. Plays with Juliet all the time. Is so proud of her when she does something for the first time. Gives her tons of attention and love. Always kisses and hugs every chance she gets. She likes to pick out what Juliet is going to wear. Very much a little mommy. She is not nearly as easy to discipline as Riley was at this age. We are having to be a bit more creative with her. She is definitely more defiant and needs to be told and retold and reminded alot. But so much like Riley in that she finds such joy in the everyday. I love that we have joyful kids. It is contagious. Lots of smiles and fun at the Thompson house.

Birthday breakfast of none other than DONUTS!

Ready for school. I love what she is wearing. It just screams her little personality.

Birthday cupcakes at school.

Came home to a table full of presents.

She likes the idea of cake, but not the taste. So this year, we got her an ice cream cake. Perfect.

Got the dress-up dress from Tangled. Very exciting.

Don't you just love the cards that play music? She does too.

Faces of Juliet

2011-05-19T10:34:00.000-07:00

HAPPY

BEING SILLY

LAUGHING

WATCHING TV

Great Wolf Lodge

2011-05-19T10:16:00.000-07:00

For Riley's eighth birthday and Victoria's fourth birthday, we took the kids to Great Wolf Lodge. We do this in lieu of having a "kid" party. I don't do those. I do alot of things as a mom, except those. Just not interested in the hassle and expense. The kids don't seem to mind. But that is probably because we do things like the Great Wolf Lodge instead!

We had planned on going with another family, but their little one got the flu (major bummer). But we still had a blast! Carey and I decided that having the other family there was more for our benefit than the kids. We pretty much didn't see Riley most of the time. He was tall enough and brave enough to ride everything, so that is what he did for like 8 hours. Victoria liked just playing in the water or being in the lazy river. And Juliet spent most of the time rolling around on a towel on the ground or chllin' in the stroller. I did play with her in the water for a bit. She just splashed around and watched everyone else play.

We went in mid-February and it was freezing outside. Literally. We had a very cold winter. So this was a nice getaway. Always a blast at the Great Wolf. Pretty sure this will be an annual thing for us. Be super fun for Juliet next year!

In our hotel room. It was like a bear cave with bunk beds and a TV. Very cool.

Swimming with Daddy.

Ready for bed after swimming the first night.

Ready for more swimming fun!

This is where she spent most of the day.

At age eight Riley is ...

2011-05-19T09:09:00.001-07:00

Our first born is eight. Wow. Eight. That is like halfway to 16. Wow. I love it though. I don't wish him younger. I love watching him grow into a young man but be so silly like the little boy he still is.

At age eight Riley is like me (his mom) in that he is very coordinated, tends to get somewhat distracted with other things, is a people-pleaser, a good student, loves to talk, has freckles, and is a performer.

At age eight Riley is like his dad in that he is absent-minded (has lost THREE hoodies at school this year), tender-hearted, seeks fairness, very smart (a little too smart in that he knows how many problems he can miss on his homework and still get a B), tall, a friend to many, and loves to make people laugh.

At age eight Riley plays basketball. This is his first time to play any organized sport and he loves it. He has such a good time with the boys. He is learning to be more aggressive and has learned quite a bit about the game. One of the other parents nicknamed him "Happy Feet." He is always moving those feet ... trying his best to hustle. We were so excited during that 6th game when he FINALLY made a basket. Carey and I just about came bolted out of our seats with excitement. I will never forget that. It was kinda funny towards the end of the season. When the other team would get the ball, Riley would run down court and just plant himself under the basket. Forget about guarding his man, he was ready for that rebound. Love it!

At age eight Riley is in scouts. He loves scouts. This is something that he and Carey can do together. He enjoys Thursday nights with his scout buddies. They are a great group of boys.

At age eight Riley is in AWANA at church. He doesn't love AWANA, but we are starting to see the fruit of this program. AWANA focuses on memorizing Bible scripture. He has memorized probably a hundred verses since he started at age 3 and the books of the Old Testament, but retaining is another thing. So we have started asking the kids to share a verse of scripture each evening before we eat dinner. Whoever says the blessing must also say a verse of scripture. Kinda cool.

At age eight Riley is in Children's Choir at church. Again, he doesn't just love choir, but he gets to see his friends and sing. He loves to sing, even though he probably wouldn't admit that. He does love to stay after choir and play in the game room up at church while Carey and I go to worship choir. I guess the game room is the bees knees.

At age eight Riley gets in trouble at school for talking out of turn, playing when he isn't supposed too, singing in class, making little noises, shouting out the answers and so forth. He knows that this is not acceptable behavior, but we tend to not get all bent out of shape about it too much. He is eight. He is a boy. He loves to make people laugh. He has a good time no matter what he is doing. And sometimes there are consequences for that. But sometimes, it might be worth it to him. I love that.

Case and point: This year he had his head on his desk (obviously bored) and once the teacher was finished giving her instruction for what the kids were supposed to do, he replied "blah, blah, blah." I was so very angry when he told me this. To be disrespectful like that to his teacher. Then I just cracked up when I shared it with Carey, and my parents and anyone else. We all think it. We all want to say it. And he did. Yes, there were consequences for that (I think I had him write a letter of apology to his teacher and some other things).

At age eight Riley is growing in his relationship with God. When he prays, he asks God to help him have better days at school. I love that he already recognizes that he needs God's help with those things he has a hard time with.

At age eight Riley is a GREAT big brother. He loves his sisters, even though Victoria tends to get on his nerves. He is so good with Juliet. She just recently started belly laughing and it is always at Riley. It is just the cutest thing. It is such a compliment to Riley when people laugh at him when he is trying to be funny. He just glows in delight.

At age eight Riley loves Legos, video games, riding his bike, going out to eat, spending time with Pops and Gigi, a Dr Pepper with cherry and vanilla, waffles, staying up late to read, watching movies, camping, steak, wrestling with his Dad (and it is Dad now, not Daddy), telling stories, being silly, chocolate ice cream, pizza (but not the crust), and any clothing that has anything to do with video games or star wars. He also loves his family, his church, his school (even though it is boring) and just about anything he does. I love that.

Birthday breakfast of donuts.

Came home from school to presents. Very excited.

Mmmmm ... chocolate cake. He couldn't decide on the icing, so we did both.

Carey lighting the candles with his new blow torch.

Christmas with Three ...

2011-01-06T11:14:00.000-08:00

... is so much fun!! We had a blast this Christmas, Juliet's first Christmas and our first Christmas with our completed family ... the five of us! So great! I do believe that Carey and I were more excited about Christmas this year than the kids ... it is just so much fun being a parent at Christmastime!

Making cookies at Pops and Gigis ... always a good time at their house!

Tuba Christmas at the Water Gardens in Fort Worth. It was cold.

Making ginger-bread houses (which is alot harder than it looks).

Christmas Eve - Riley reading the Christmas Story (for the first time).

The girls listening to Riley read and eating Chinese Food ... yummm!

Ready to open the first gift on Christmas Eve - new PJs!

In our new PJs and ready to open one more present on Christmas Eve.

I love this picture!

Then it was off to bed and time to work. Carey and I spent the next 4 hours assembling, setting up, and trying out. We had to make sure that the Rock Band worked on Wii. Not sure we had to play that many songs, but it was just so much fun!!

Christmas morning.

Riley opening his Nintendo DS. Very excited!

Victoria opening her Buzz Lightyear. Very excited!

So we find ourselves getting smarter over the years ... what you buy for one, you buy for the other!

And then we finally let the kids have a turn at Rock Band.

And it was such a special treat this year to have the computer setup so that Grandma and Grandpa could watch it all on Christmas morning. It was a blast!

We had such a great time the week after Christmas spending time with family, old friends and new friends. And then there was the sleeping in till 9:00 or 10:00, playing rock band for hours on end, putting together the many Lego sets, and eating and eating and eating ....

Halloween 2010

2010-11-03T08:23:00.001-07:00

Riley was Captain Rex, Clone Trooper. Victoria was Buzz Lightyear. We tried to talk her into being something "girly," but she insisted on being Buzz. When we suggested a princess or Jessie from Toy Story or Minnie Mouse, she replied "I know what I want to be! A hot dog!" So we settled for Buzz Lightyear. She was pretty cute! And Juliet was ... a baby in a onesie that read "My First Halloween" (thank you Grandma!!). Mommy didn't want to buy her a Halloween costume. And fortunately, Juliet was totally ok with that. :)

Ready to go to the Fall Festival at church!

The Haul! It was absolutely ridiculous how much candy the kids got! Carey sorted it last night and now we (me and Carey) have our own stash with all the chocolate. They will never miss it!

Juliet Update

2010-11-03T07:36:00.000-07:00

Wow ... three is SO much more than two! More laundry, more time, more energy, and so much more fun!

Juliet is now 2 and a half months old. She is just a delight! She smiles at just about anyone. Loves to be held. Absolutely LOVES her big brother and sister. She coos and gurgles and makes all sort of funny little noises. She spends most of her day sleeping in her crib (YAY!!) and in my arms. She is just as happy as a clam being wagged around the house, so I comply. I have managed to fold laundry, clean the kitchen, make the beds and perform other household tasks all one-handed. She is starting to play on the floor some, but gets really upset if everyone scatters. She likes to have everyone around her.

First Sunday at church!

Sisters!

Tummy time.

She is a great eater! And she is a great sleeper! I moved her to her crib a couple of weeks ago. It was a rough few days, but she finally caved. We wrap her up like a little baby burrito and she goes right to sleep. No schedule as of yet. She wakes up at 7:30 just because that is when we leave the house to take Riley to school. The mornings we don't, she sleeps until 9:00!! She is still waking up one or two times a night to eat, but she is usually awake for only about 20 minutes. Very doable! I am lucky if she takes a long nap during the day. She usually just naps for 30 to 45 minutes about 5 or 6 times during the day. She is still young, so I am sure she will start to nap longer soon. But it is hard, since we are go, go, go. Taking Riley and Victoria to and from school, trips to Walmart, cleaners, bank, Braums and of course Sonic! She will sleep in the car, but only if it is moving. So Victoria and I spend a fair amount of time listening to her cry in the pick-up line at school as we wait for Riley to come out. But she is as quiet as a mouse once he is in the car. Weird.

Asleep in Mommy's arms. Juliet spends alot of time here!

She is growing growing. She fills out her 3 months clothes and is starting to get all rolly-polly. She was average at her last check-up. Both Riley and Victoria started growing above average at about 4 months, so we will see then.

People tell us that she favors all four of us. I can't tell. If we lined up all three of them at this age, I could probably only tell them apart because Riley was as balled as a cue ball, Victoria had eyes the size of saucers and then Juliet. They do all look alike in baby pictures. So cute!

First Days of School

2010-09-10T06:34:00.000-07:00

Riley's first day of second grade wasn't quite as monumental as past first days. First off, I slept through the morning, so I didn't get to see him before he left. Pretty sure it was much needed sleep considering that Juliet was only 11 days old, but nonetheless, hate that I missed that. And since I still wasn't ok to drive with all the pain medication I was on, Carey took him that morning. Carey dropped him off at school and he walked in all by himself. The line to check in at the office was just too long, and well Carey is big into independence (which is great because I am not) and not so big into waiting in lines. He thought he would be just fine going in alone. Riley confirmed this when Carey asked him one time too many "are you sure?" and his response was "I said yes Daddy!"

So, we posed for the first day picture when we went to pick up Riley that afternoon. He didn't have the best of first days in his class. Let's just say that he is now very familiar with the rule that you do not talk during lesson time. But, three weeks into it and he likes his class and his teacher and I haven't heard him complain once about school (except for when it is homework time, but nobody likes that ... including me).

Victoria's first day of preschool went fantastic! She goes to the Wee School up at our church two days a week. She is alot like her brother in that I can't get a word out of her as far as what she does at school or how her day went. **sigh**

Juliet and I celebrated our first day together just the two of us with some laundry and a nap ... it was great!!

Juliet Jaelynn

2010-08-21T15:37:00.000-07:00

We welcomed Juliet Jaelynn to our family on Thursday, August 12th at 12:43pm. She weighed 7 pounds 8 ounces and was 19 1/2 inches long (my biggest baby).

So after a night of about 3 hours of sleep, I woke-up at 7:30 with a phone call to the hospital to make sure that we were still on for a noon delivery. They told me to call back at 9am. Ugh. So we went ahead and got ready and very impatiently waited for 9:00. They said we were a go and to come on in. YAY! I was really surprised that it was going to be when scheduled. I just had it in my mind that it would be later that day or evening like with Victoria.

So, Carey and I headed to the hospital and Riley and Victoria followed behind with Pops and Gigi. We arrived around 10:00 and went to our room shortly thereafter. After 2 1/2 hours of prep and waiting, I finally made that last pregnant walk to the OR. I was super excited to find out whether we were having a boy or girl. When it came time and the baby was here, the doctor had Carey tell the room. Carey said in a laughing voice "It's a girl!" and then laughed some more. I WAS SHOCKED. I thought through most of the pregnancy that we were having girl, but then the last month or so, I had convinced myself we were having a boy. So exciting!! She was just so little. I had forgotten how little they are.

We named her Juliet, which was one of the character's name on the TV show LOST. We have had it picked out for about two years now and just couldn't find anything we liked better. We wanted a good strong name that went well with her sister's name, Victoria and that was "girly." The middle name is a combination of her Pops (John) and her Grandpa (Allen) - Jaelynn. Carey insisted on the "e" and I insisted on the "ynn" so that it looked again "girly." We love the name and feels it suits her.

BEFORE

AFTER

Ready to meet the baby.

Meeting their baby sister.

The Great Big Growing Family

Proud big brother Riley. He was a bit bummed at first that he didn't get a baby brother, but got over it pretty quick.

Lovin' on sweet Juliet. They were just fascinated by her.

Daddy and his girls.

Some Summer Fun

2010-07-15T19:28:00.000-07:00

Well ... we have been enjoying our summer, for the most part. We had a bit of a hiatus for a couple weeks. Strep and a fever virus were to blame for that. No fun. But we are back at it now. Summer fun!

We recently (like today) took a trip to the Ft. Worth Museum of Science and History with our friends Jack and Caroline. WOW ... that place has changed alot. It was amazing! The kids had a blast!

Hanging out in a dinosaur footprint.

Little Momma going grocery shopping.

Playing in the water things ... I don't know what they are
called, but they are fun.

So once we hit most of the exhibits and were thoroughly exhausted (well, at least I was), we made our way to the car. Then there was a request to go to the bathroom. Then, I had to go. So we said goodbye to our friends, ran back inside, used the facilities, saw a friend from church and chatted a bit, came back outside to make our way to the car and ... then we saw the fountain and just couldn't help ourselves. It started out as just a "let's get our feet wet" kinda thing and then escalated into totally drenched and the kids had to ride home in the car in just there skivvies.

What can I say ... it was hot today and I just gave in. Let me tell you, it took all I had to not join in. I really gave it ALOT of thought.

Riley and his bud at nature camp.

Riding bikes. No, this is not our driveway or our neighborhood ...
we wish, maybe one day. We are at Uncle Corey and Aunt Katie's place on July 4th.

The "kids" (Carey and Uncle Kev and Corey) planning the fireworks
show. Seriously, I felt like I went back in time about 20 years and
they were all like age 12 again.

Riley trying his best to blow-up a Dr Pepper can with a black cat.

SO EXCITING ... but a little loud.

Watching the boys fireworks show and some larger ones along the skyline.

We had an incredible view of about 3 or 4 largefirework shows. Plus, my brother's neighbors were putting on quite a show as well. It is amazing what a couple of hundred dollars can buy you at your local mega-fireworks stand. A little scary too.

A Baby Shower (and Pregnancy Ramblings)

2010-07-14T12:39:00.000-07:00

First off, let's rewind to a little over 2 years ago. We loved the town we lived in. We loved our church family. We loved Riley's school. We also loved that Carey had a job as an attorney after a 3 year journey down that change of career decision road. A job that he loved. A job where he was appreciated. A job that allowed me to stay at home. A job that was about an hour and a half from our home.

That's too far. Time to move.

Here we were. We just moved out to Saginaw. Built a new house. Joined a new church. Riley was starting a new school. And what did I pray for time and time again after our move? Godly Friends. I had left friends at our old church and at my work. I missed them. I missed those relationships.

Well, the Lord blessed me and then some. This past weekend some dear sweet friends, that I have only known for just a year or two, gave me an incredible baby shower! I was just floored a couple of months ago when they approached me about the shower. I mean, this is our third baby. We have just about all the gadgets, what-nots and equipment there is to have ... and we have the boy version and the girl version. So, they opted for the diaper shower. And I tell you what ... if you have decided to go the disposable diaper route, this is best kind of shower to have. We received over 1,000 diapers. Not sure how long those will last, but my estimation is about 5 months. YIPEE!!

But the best part was just celebrating with friends that the Lord has given me at our new church. Friends that are my age and some that are in their 60's! It just truly blessed my heart.

So, Victoria was not able to go attend the shower. She was sick ... again. But Riley accompanied me and was the photographer for the morning. Here are just a select few from is portfolio:

A candid (I am the one without the waist).

I am thinking that he was hiding under the table for this one. Hmmm.

The punch (it was REALLY good punch, I can see
why he thought it was photograph worthy).

Christina and me (not too bad Riley).

A belly shot (I actually like this picture alot).

There were some other pictures as well, including 2 pictures of himself, 3 of his shoes (they are new shoes) and about 2 dozen of some little girls that were in attendance. It was quite hysterical when I got home and looked through them all.

Fortunately, one of the hostesses grabbed my camera and took some pictures as well:

Is that not the neatest center-piece?!
Those are little diapers rolled up and made into a tower.
Victoria thought it was a birthday cake when I brought it home.
I have it displayed in the baby's room. It looks so good in there!

I FINALLY got a baby book. It is hard to find a gender neutral
baby book. Not sure if this is or not, but I really like it none-the-less.

Another candid (again, that's me without the waist).

My first born and me!

It was a good time and the haul was amazing! The diapers are all stacked up in the baby's closet with the wipes too. We also got a basket FULL of goodies and clothes and blankets. And Riley's Sunday School teacher made the baby a quilt. A hand-made quilt. I LOVE IT! Love, love hand-made things. I will cherish that gift forever. I also got some burp clothes made from cloth diapers and just a piece of material sewn in the middle. They are SO cute! And such a simple thing to do to turn a diaper into a cute little burp cloth. I am SO stealing that idea. Along with the diaper tower too!

Vaca at the Bahn

2010-07-03T00:35:00.001-07:00

We took a mini-vacation this summer. We wanted to get of of dodge, but didn't want to go far because of the whole prego thing and all. So we decided a couple of days at Schlitterbahn and maybe another couple of days seeing this and that in San Antonio and San Marcos.

Well ... it rained ... alot. Which caused some major flooding. Which led to park closures at Schlitterahn.

Bummer.

There were some parts of the park that were open. Schlitterbahn is divided into three sections and the one located on higher ground was open. It turned out that this was just enough for the kids to totally enjoy themselves. Carey and I were bummed that they didn't get to do more there, but they were none the wiser. Actually, they could have just spent the whole day at the wave pool and been totally content. Which is alot like just swimming at Pops and Gigis, except that is free ... and it doesn't have waves.

Schlitterbahn Baby!

Victoria playing in the kiddie pool area. This is were I spent all
my time.Sitting in a lawn chair. Enjoying the shade.
Sipping on my sweet tea.

Probably their 17th trip around (totally not exaggerating on that).
It was pretty cute. Each time they went around a different person
was in the tube, or there was one less tube or one more tube,
or they were all swimming or no one was swimming.

Riley taking a break from all the water fun to play with
the dinosaurs he purchased at the gift shop. Because
nothing says Schlitterbahnlike little toy dinosaurs.

Making their way down the Wolf Pack. Riley said this one
was pretty boring. Victoria loved it!

I would have to say that the part I will never forget about our trip to Schlitterbahn is me laughing hysterically as I tried unsuccessfully 3 or 4 times to get into an innertube and finally had to have Carey and a stranger help me hoist myself in. It is amazing what you cannot physically do when the presence of stomach muscles are no more.

We also spent some time in San Antonio seeing the Alamo and doing some shopping.

So the kids loved, I mean LOVED riding in the trolley (city bus)
around downtown. Not sure if it was all the bouncing around
or the no seat belt freedom, but it was truly a high light for them.

It was a nice getaway. We were only gone for a little over two days when it was all said and done. That was probably enough for me. I can testify that I am not the best traveling companion at 7 months pregnant. Not only is there the frequent pit stops, but the walking at a snail's pace and the many "I need to just sit for a second" interruptions. But it was still a blast even with prego lady and all the flooding aftermath to deal with. I am sure that we will make this an annual thing we do to start every summer.

Next Summer - Camping in Colorado

Summer 2012 - Disneyworld!!

Can't wait!

SUMMER!!

2010-06-17T12:49:00.001-07:00

First off, I know I have said this before, but it is worth mentioning again ... I LOVE SUMMER! I love the lack of "have-to" activity and the abundance of "want-to" activity. I also love that we can take our time getting to where we need to go. It just seems that the days are more laid-back and less rushed. Dinner at 7:30 ... that's ok! Bedtime at 9:30 ... that's ok! Ice cream for lunch ... that's ok! You were in the pool all day so we are skipping bathtime ... that's ok! Love it.

We have loads and loads of activities planned for this summer. My reasoning for this is two-fold: (1) I want these next two months to zoom by. Been waiting for this baby long enough. I'm ready. AND (2) Activity seems to cut back on the sibling rivalry ... which can get a bit old.

So, we started off the summer with just a three day trip to getaway (will blog that later). Then we dove right in to our activities.

Mondays remain open for my doctor appointments. Right now I am every two weeks, so we are planning various activities on the off weeks. This week we went to the zoo and it was so very, very hot. But the kids had a blast and ... I survived.

Every Tuesday this summer the local movie theater has a free kid movie playing in the morning. We are so there. Went this past week. Sitting. Air-conditioning. Diet Coke. Popcorn. **smile**

Every Wednesday Riley goes to a nature day camp at the Ft. Worth Nature Center. He went this past Wednesday and had so much fun! One of his little buds goes too, which just makes it that much more fun. So, Victoria and I just chill at home. Kinda nice to have some time with just her. We did have a friend come over for a play date for a couple of hours. She just loved that!

Thursdays remain open to mainly relax and get some housework done. BUT we are always open to changing that! Housework can always wait.

And then Fridays are spent over at Pops and Gigi's house swimming. The kids love this!! I think this is their favorite part of the week.

VBS is next week, so all of our activities will be on hold for the week. The kids are super-excited about it. I will be teaching kinder/first grade music, which may sound like no big thing. But have you tried to sing and dance (the songs have motions) when eight months pregnant for three hours while trying to keep 6 and 7 year olds from taking over??? Should be quite interesting.

Our Crazy May Days

2010-06-16T07:34:00.000-07:00

So the month of May has probably become the busiest month out of the year for us. December would be a close second. We had church activities, school activities, family activities ...

Mother's Day

Field Day Fun

Singing with the Children's Choir at church.

Last day of school.

Riley and Ms. Weisinger, his 1st grade teacher.

AWANA Awards Ceremony at church.

Riley's Baptism (sorry the cinematography is so bad ...
I had to stand up and that just threw it all off)

Singing at school.

Receiving his school awards.

We are so proud of him and all that he has done this year! He has turned into an amazing reader and has started taking an interest in chapter books. He would never admit it, but singing is one of his favorite things to do. He has made so many new friends at school this year and has had an absolute blast going. I think he is still under the impression that school is just a time to get together and play with his buds and all that learning stuff is just something they do on the the side.

And we are just so thrilled and excited that he has asked Jesus into his heart and that he is excited to tell others about it!! This is just priceless and such a blessing. It is what this life is all about!

Third Trimester BABEE!!

2010-05-20T16:34:00.000-07:00

I did it ... I made it to the third trimester! This pregnancy seems to be going by at a snails pace. Not sure if it is because I am not working or just because I cannot wait to see this little one, but it seems to have taken FOREVER to get to this point.

I had Riley take this picture the other day. I guess this would be my 6th month picture.

Feeling pretty good right now. I had a few rough days of not getting sleep, but this past week has been great! I am really starting to get an appetite now. So far I have gained 20 pounds ... not too bad. I am just crazy for my Frosted Flakes every night before I go to bed. I also am just loving cream cheese! I put it on EVERYTHING ... graham crackers, melba toast, mini bagels, crackers ... I can't get enough of the stuff. Besides that, I am just wanting cold things ... fruit, raw veggies, salads, sandwiches.

The baby is moving like crazy ... which is so great, except at 11PM, 2AM, 5AM. I just don't remember Riley and Victoria moving so much at night. I really don't remember them moving quite as much as this one does. They did the little bumps and thumps. This one does rolls and jiggles. Kinda neat. Both of the kids felt the baby move the other day. I think it really took Victoria by surprise. She had her hand on my belly, felt the little jolt, gasped and then buried her head in the bed ... freaked her out a bit.

We still haven't totally decided on names yet. We have a boy and girl named picked out, but I am not totally in love with them. So, the name game continues. Am hoping to have the names for sure picked out by the time school is out ... I do better with deadlines.

Here He (or She) Is at 20 Weeks!

2010-04-06T06:51:00.000-07:00

We had our mid-point sonogram yesterday. My doc said it was a "textbook" sonogram ... just perfect. Gotta love that! We chose once again to not find out if we are having a boy or a girl. Carey tried really hard to look and he seems to think that he saw evidences of a girl. I am thinking girl too. We'll see.

We still haven't picked out names yet. It is so hard, but I kinda make it hard with all my rules.
(1) We want gender specific names ... ya know a boy name that could never be a girl name and vice versa. Carey has been introduced as a girl one time too many and we kinda messed up with Riley. We don't want to do that again. (But we did find Riley on the boy name list and I had NEVER heard of a girl named Riley, just for the record)
(2) We also want the name to be easy to spell, so that they don't have to spell their name for the rest of their life.
(3) We also don't want it to be a name that can be shortened. Ya know, like Kimberly can be shortened to Kim. Just too confusing at times.
(4) We also don't want it to be a common or popular name. That can be a bit confusing too when there are like 7 Emmas or Daniels in your kindergarten class and you are known as Emma T. or Daniel T. for all of grade school.

So as you can see, we have a bit of a challenging task ahead of us. We could use the boy name that we didn't use with Victoria, but I just don't love it now as much as I did then. I have to LOVE the name. I mean, I am going to be saying it for the rest of my life about like a million times.

Gotta love this picture with the skeleton face. When Riley saw this, he yelped a bit and ran away.

And the best part ... I only gained 2 pounds last month! Go me! For some reason I haven't had quite the appetite with this pregnancy as I have with my others. Most of the time I have to force myself to eat and then I get full so fast. I am so extremely thirsty like ALL THE TIME.

I am really starting to get excited about this little one. I just can't wait to hold him or her.

Easter Decision

2010-04-05T06:20:00.001-07:00

Easter was so special for our family this year. Riley asked Jesus into his heart ... in the Kohls parking lot. It was so special. I was so very proud of him. He told the pastor Sunday morning before church started. He went up to him and said that he had two things he wanted to tell him. First, that he was going on an Easter Egg hunt at Pops and Gigis after church and second, that he asked Jesus into his heart. The pastor was super excited for him. So, he decided that he wanted to go down during the benediction to let his church family know. I think that this was the best thing for him to do, because then he got REALLY excited and wanted to tell everyone.

After our morning of celebrating our Risen Lord and Riley's decision, we headed over to Pops and Gigis for the hunt.

Prego Pic

2010-03-24T09:30:00.001-07:00

We were so good with Riley and Victoria's pregnancy at taking pictures every month. Not so much this time around. In any case, here we are at four (and a half) months.

I am FINALLY starting to feel the little flutters and bumps from the baby. My cravings consist of chocolate milk, burgers, Subway sandwiches, sweet tea, and cereal. I almost always end my day with a bowl of cereal. It seems Carey has been doing that as well here lately.

The kids are getting excited and have started talking to my belly. So cute. Victoria keeps taking toys into the baby's room, "these are babies."

We have the sonogram week after next. Very exciting. And no, we will not be finding out if it is a boy or girl. We will just wait. HA!

Victoria is Three!!

2010-03-22T13:17:00.000-07:00

I can't believe it. I just can't believe that my little lady is already three. "They" say it goes by fast, but it has gone by ridiculously fast.

Here is a run down of the birthday celebration:

We started off the day with a trip to the donut shop. I do believe that I have passed down my outrageously crazy love for the donut to my kids. I am just amazed at how many donuts those two can gobble down. For that matter, I am always amazed at how many I can gobble down as well ... actually it is more like inhale. It seems that we have made getting donuts on your birthday a bit of a tradition around here. I say let's celebrate all holidays, birthdays, anniversaries, and the like this way!

Later in the morning we made our way to the mall. Destination: Build A Bear. Never been there before. Victoria mentioned it the other day and I thought it might be kinda fun. So, she orginally picked out the Alvin Chipmunk to build and momma said "NO." Then, she picked out the camo bear and momma said "NO." I then gave her the option to choose the pink bear, the Hello Kitty, or the regular light brown bear ... I know, I am so mean. She chose the pink bear ... thank you very much. They stuffed the bear, we brushed the bear, we dressed the bear and then we named the bear ... "Pooh Bear." Yep, we have a Pooh Bear that looks nothing like Winnie the Pooh. But, that is what she named the bear. Honestly, I was just glad that she didn't name the bear "Bear." All of her dolls are named "Baby," all of her bunnies are named "Bunny," and so-on and so-on.

Then we did a bit of shopping at the mall for mommy and Riley and then picked up her birthday cookie. Victoria doesn't like cake, so we opted for the gigantic cookie. We then headed to Party City for the pinata, balloons and anything else that just so happened to jump into our buggy. Walked out of that store $50 poorer. Oh well.

Then lunch at Taco Bueno and home.

No nap for her today. I mean it is her birthday. So, during her naptime, she told me at least a dozen times that today is her birthday. I loved it! I love that she gets it. That this day is for her to celebrate and be extra special.

After a very long 2 hours of waiting once we got Riley from school, we headed over to Pops and Gigis for her birthday party. It was a cluster party of sorts (my sis-in-laws birthday, my bro and other sis-in-laws anniversary and my parents anniversary), but still all about Victoria. Of course, in our family, siblings are never left out. Riley did receive his unbirthday presents. And since it was Katie's (my sis-in-law) birthday as well, the big kids received unbirthday presents as well ... love it!

I love that she just couldn't wait to blow out her candles. She had already blown them out before we started singing.

After weeks and weeks of convincing her, she has finally decided that yes, she is three. She just didn't want to let go of being two.

The jump rope. She wanted a jump rope and a pink ball for her birthday.

Close your eyes Victoria.

The big reveal ... a scooter. She has been wanting one of her own for like forever.

Victoria got her package from Grandma and Grandpa and couldn't wait to get this on.

At age 3, here is Victoria:

Loves: Riley, going anywhere (church, store, school, Walmart, to the mailbox), Minnie Mouse, meat, puzzles, playing outside, donuts, balls, being bossy, Oreos, camping, bathtime, the sandbox, picking out her clothes for the day "I do myself," singing (she knows the lyrics to the theme song for Phineas and Ferb and of course Veggie Tales).

Not so crazy about: Pasta, not getting her own way, Sid the Science kid on PBS (don't blame her, he freaks me out a bit too), french fries (thank goodness), her car seat (she misses the one with flowers on it), chocolate milk, wearing bows (of this I am very sad, but still holding out hope), veggies (except raw carrots swimming in ranch).

I am sure she is off the charts on height and weight. She is the size of a five year old. I was thinking that Riley was the same size as her when he was three, but he wasn't. He was four by the time he reached her numbers. We are officially shopping in the "girls" section. Pretty sure we skipped over size 4T. What absolutely amazes me is that this time last year, she was wearing 2T. WOW, what a growth spurt kinda year!

I cherish these days I have with Victoria, especially now that we have baby arriving in August and she will be going to preschool in the fall. She is a delight to have around, even when she raises her hand and says "don't talk me." She is at her best when she has a job to do. She loves to help out. She hates to be ignored and lets you know it. She is Riley's shadow when he is home. Poor guy hardly gets a moment to himself these days. Thankfully, it doesn't bother him ... most of the time. She has the sweetest prayers at night, thanking God for everyone in the family and for her friends at church and every so often throwing in the occasional toy. We are so very thankful for our surprise baby girl. She can make us laugh, pull our hair out and be so very proud all in one moment.

We are ...

2010-03-08T06:18:00.000-08:00

... having a baby!

We will be completing our family in August with the arrival of baby number 3! Very exciting!!

This last addition to our family has been a long time coming. We started talking/planning about this one about a year and a half ago. I actually started preparing myself for the fact that it just might not happen. But let's just say that we are very "thankful" for this wonderful gift from God (if you don't know what I mean, click here).

So far, this pregnancy has been alot like my other two ... just plain awful. I was stricken with morning sickness for every waking moment of the day from week 5 until about week 14. It still hasn't totally disappeared, but at least it isn't ALL THE TIME. But, if I do recall my prayers at the beginning of my pregnancy, I did ask that the Lord "bring it on" as far as pregnancy symptoms. I wanted to know at anytime that this baby was developing and growing like it should. He definitely answered that prayer with a resounding YES. And even though I was absolutely miserable, my house was a mess for three months, and my daughter watched a ridiculous amount of TV, I counted it all joy just to know that this little one was ok.

Now that the sickness is just about gone, I do feel much better. I still have some "joys" that are uncomfortable, but I think that might just be my age ... seriously. Being 33 and pregnant is ALOT different than being 26 or even 30.

So far I have gained 11 pounds. Not too bad, I guess. Gained 3lbs in month 2, 3lbs in month 3 and 5lbs month 4. I am trying not to obsess about it too much. I just don't want a repeat of my pregnancy with Victoria. I think I gained a whopping 40 pounds. One of the first things Carey said to me was "You aren't going to go crazy on donuts and Dr Pepper again, are you?" No hon, I am not.

This pregnancy seems to be going by a bit slower than the others did. Not sure if it is because I worked during my other pregnancies or if it is because pregnancy itself has lost its appeal to me and I just want the baby here. I think I am more excited about this one than I was for the other two to arrive. So, the countdown for me has already begun. I have already converted the spare bedroom into the baby's room. I even made up the bed.

The kids are super excited about the baby. I think Riley is more excited than Victoria. He keeps throwing names out there that he wants us to use ... Sam, Nathan, Issac ... all boy names. He wants a little brother SO BAD! I almost want it to be a boy just to see his reaction. But that would be the only swaying factor. I honestly don't care. And the way I look at it, it is just another person to love and care for and most importantly, to teach about being a follower of Christ. Boy or girl just doesn't matter much.

But the hair does. I want a curly-headed child. I have a wavy haired child and a straight (very straight) haired child. I would LOVE to have one with curly hair.

A Peek Inside the Everyday

2010-02-18T07:49:00.000-08:00

Here are just a few pics taken over the past month or so. Just a peek inside of the everyday in our home.

This was probably a Saturday morning. More often than not,
they end up right next to each on the couch.

I do believe that Daddy ran this bath. So fun!

Enjoying her High School Musical boom box.

Climbing on Daddy ... this happens alot.

Our enormous snowman built on the snowiest day ever
in these parts (at least in the past century).

Riley is Seven!

2010-02-17T13:33:00.000-08:00

It just makes my heart hurt to write that. Seven. Wow.

We had a few celebrations for his birthday. First there was a family party. Because my side of the family has grown recently and our schedules are so very busy, we now celebrate birthdays and anniversaries in clusters. It just so happens that there are two other birthdays within a week of Riley's, so we had a big birthday bash, complete with birthday and unbirthday presents for everyone. Gigi (my mom) is really good about making everyone feel loved ... all twelve of us!

Ready to party!

I LOVE this picture. Riley was sick on Christmas day, so we missed out
on the grandeur enthusiasm he typically shows when opening presents.

On Riley's actual birthday, he wore a birthday button to school and a birthday hat and got to have cupcakes (store bought of course) for snack during school. However, I was informed that morning as we were walking out the door, that "so-and-so's mom brought juice boxes too." Ok ... fortunately I had just been to Walmart the day before and just so happened to have stocked up on juice boxes and had EXACTLY 19 of them. Phew.

I think he is making a number seven with his fingers.

Then, we had birthday cookies that night at Children's Choir complete with balloons, which were somehow used for music purposes. At this moment, I cannot recall how we managed that.

The last celebration of "birthday week," was spent at Medieval Times. It was pretty cool. I had never been. Riley really liked it, but Victoria LOVED it!! Who would have thought?! Riley and I were a bit tired. The show didn't start until 8:15 or so and we are not evening people. We are morning people. But the Pepsi helped. Yep, your only drinking options are tea or Pepsi. We ALL had Pepsi, even Victoria. I do believe she drank all hers. Oh well.

So Riley at age seven is alot like Riley at age four or five or six. He is exactly the same only taller and he eats more. He is still so tender hearted, full of joy, considerate of others and couldn't hurt a fly (this part makes it a bit hard to stand up to his younger sister).

He is also a really good student. He is naturally smart and doesn't even realize it ... alot like his Daddy. He doesn't put much effort into his school work and still brings home 100's on his papers. He does say that school is boring, so I am sure that he isn't being challenged enough. But he has a really great time (the social butterfly he is) and there is plenty of time to be challenged in school later. I mean this is only 1st grade.

He is a super goof ball and loves to try to make people laugh. He is into Phineas and Ferb, being a spy, inventing things, Legos (still), and making many things out of paper and the trash I have in the recycle bin (which I usually throw in the trash when he is at school the next day ... fortunately he hasn't missed any of it ... yet).

He is also into choosing what he wears to school everyday. I really wasn't prepared for this one. However, he must have a clean room the night before to be able to do this, which only happens about half the time. So at least he is wearing everything in his closet and not just his Phineas and Ferb shirts and Star Wars shirts.

At his check-up, he is in the 75% on height and 80% on weight. Still on the the growth road to being tall like Carey ... love that!

He enjoys our evening reading of his Bible and our daily devotional. He gets a bit bent out of shape if we don't do it every evening. Love that. I am noticing too that his prayers at night are more about what is going on in our lives than just the run-of-the-mill kid prayers. It is exiting to see him grow spiritually. We are just praying and waiting for him to start showing interest in accepting Christ. Oh happy day that will be!

Me and my guy.

Our Somewhat Merry Christmas

2010-02-01T06:31:00.000-08:00

I can sum-up our Christmas with this one statement ... we got through it. Christmas was sandwiched between doctor's appointment, fevers, chills, medicine, more doctor's appointments, stomach bugs, etc. It started the Monday before Christmas and lasted until the Monday after New Year's. But, we were bound and determined to make the best of it and I think that we did.

Riley ready for his class play performance at school.

So this was what he wore to school on the last day before
the Christmas break. It was his idea to have a red nose.

Playing in the snow storm on Christmas Eve.
Between the blowing snow and having fevers,
I do believe the kids only lasted about 10 minutes.

Opening one present on Christmas Eve ... I am sure it was Legos.

Victoria is giving her new pajamas a hug 'cause she loves them so.
The kids always get a new pair of pajamas to wear on Christmas Eve.

Trying out her new skates on Christmas Eve.

Christmas morning. For some reason, neither one of them are
wearing the new pajamas they got. Oh well.

Victoria got a new bike for Christmas.

Riley got Legos. Big surprise. He was still pretty excited!

Daddy putting together Victoria's new stand mixer for her kitchen.

So this robot arm that Riley got in his stocking was a HUGE hit
Christmas morning. Why we didn't get two is beyond me.

The headlamps were a favorite too.
Victoria wore hers most of the morning.

Riley putting on a smile. He was so sick. He spent most of the
morning sitting in his bean bag chair. Poor little guy.

Pops and Gigi always join us on Christmas morning to watch
all the present opening madness.

So, after all the opening had finished and the house was put back in order, I told Carey that I cold have us packed and ready to leave for Michigan in two hours. So we left Saginaw on Christmas day around 3PM. We arrived 24 very long hours later in Suttons Bay, Michigan. Exhausted, stinky and Riley had run about 103 fever most of the way up. Come to find out, he had pneumonia. And Carey came down with a sinus infection the very next day. Urgh. But again, we made the most of it.

Wrestling with Grandpa.

Riley is ready for battle.

Victoria is ready for sledding.

One of many, many, many trips down the hill.

The ski crew ... Carey, Riley, Victoria and Carey's cousins, Tyler and Corbin.

Victoria's first time on skis. She was pretty much a wet noodle on skis.
Carey had a hard time just trying to get her to stand up straight.
She lasted only about 30 minutes. Carey was exhausted.

Carey and Riley making their way down the mountain ...
well it was really just a big hill.

Still sick, but ready to have Christmas at Pops and Gigi's!

Definitely a Christmas to remember. Hopefully just the good memories ... Carey driving through the snow on Christmas Eve to get Chinese food (yummm), hugable pajamas, a White Christmas, fun new toys, skiing with cousins, sledding with Grandma, snowmobiling with Uncle Craig, and a lazy Sunday afternoon opening presents at Pops and Gigis. At least, that is what I choose to remember.

Our December ... so far

2009-12-23T07:47:00.000-08:00

Our December was filled with choir practices and performances, parties, food (savory and sweet), shopping, wrapping, family time, and other time of this and that. Needless to say, I didn't have much free time to blog about it and now it is pretty much a blur. I do remember that it did snow ...

Quick picture before we took Riley to school.

So excited about the snow!!

And I have to mention that Victoria LOVES telling everyone "Merry Christmas." She tells me this before she goes down for nap and we when we put her to bed in the evenings. She also likes to tell the bell ringer at Walmart. The other day, the bell ringer was on her cell when we walked by and Victoria exclaimed "Merry Christmas!" Well, Victoria was very upset. With a huge frown on her face she told me "she no Merry Christmas me." It was pretty cute.

Then there was Riley's Christmas musical at church. They performed "The Camel Lot." In a nut shell, a little gir has a dream while preparing for her church musical that her car lot owning father owns a camel lot in Bethlehem and is informed by shepherds, camel buying patrons and a wiseman that the Messiah has been born. Anyway, part of Riley's costume was a ball cap. He was the teenage boy looking for his first car, er camel, with his dad. Well, the hat managed to make it's way into his performance. It was in his mouth for a while. It was in his hands while he was doing his motions. It was all over the place ... so I am told. I still haven't seen the video yet. I was busy in the sound booth with giving cues for the lighting, music and film crew. It was remeniscent of two Christmas' ago. He is a bit of a ham. All he needs is an audience. As soon as Carey's gets me some sort of fire wire card cable thingy, I will be able to start uploading video again.

Well, can I just say that I am sooo glad that I spent all last week cleaning the house, shopping and wrapping presents. Because this week we are doing a whole lot of nothing. Not by choice ... 3 of the 4 of us are sick. Urgh. So we have been spending these last few days on the couch, administering medicine, going to the doctor and watching lots of TV. Not my idea of a fun Christmas break. So, we are hoping and praying that we will all be well by Christmas Day. Not only so that we can enjoy the morning full of presents and fun, but also for the 1200 mile drive we will be making that night and the next day.

Merry Christmas!

Victoria Rings Silent Night

2009-12-05T20:33:00.000-08:00

Victoria's music class performed again this year at the Saginaw Rec Center in their Christmas program. She did SOOO much better this year. Last year I ended up ringing the bell not long after the song started. I told her when her color was on the card and she did the rest.

And here is Riley giving Victoria her flower after her performance.

Our Happy Thanksgiving (for the most part)

2009-12-01T11:48:00.001-08:00

Not sure if we have started a family tradition or not. Last year we went camping on Thanksgiving. This year we went camping on Thanksgiving.

This time we went to Tyler State Park in Tyler, Texas. So pretty. The trees were massive and the colors were amazing. There was a little lake (or a big pond) in the middle of the park, which we could see out the front of our tent. It was a bit cold, but not nearly as bad as last year. The trip had its ups and downs as with any camping trip for the Thompsons. We spent the first morning in Tyler at Walgreens getting medicine for my queezy stomach and at Academy getting new camping chairs. Poor Carey broke both chairs the night before ... oops.

Once it warmed up on Wednesday, we ventured into the woods to do some geocaching. Very cool. Carey had three that he had printed directions and clues for before we left. The kids were a bit whiny, but that is typical. They were worried about the dog of all things. She kept running ahead of us. They were afraid she would run off and not come back. We informed them that she might be a dog, but she isn't that stupid.

The rest of the trip was uneventful. Carey took the kids to the park and took Riley fishing. By the time you prepare a meal, eat a meal and cleanup after a meal ... well the time tends to get away from you. And the fact that the sun went down around 5:45. But, the kids were ready for bed around 7:00 both nights. That is definitely not typical.

We ate great as always. Carey does so well in the outdoor kitchen. He even did dishes after every meal while I just sat by the campfire. :)

We did collect some pine cones to bring home and decorate as Christmas Tree decorations. Not a very good idea. Victoria and I seemed to have a runny nose most of the camping trip. Then for about two days after, she would get all stuffed up and watery eyed every time we were in the car. Well, that is where the pine cones were ... still in the glove box. Oops. So, needless to say, the Thompson girls will not be camping in the piney woods without the assistance of allergy medication in the future.

But it was nice to be away just the four of us ... and the dog.

Our Happy Halloween

2009-11-02T16:55:00.001-08:00

The kids proudly displaying their potato-head pumpkins.

She wore this like a hundred times this past month. A little Halloween outfit complete with a light up shirt, pumpkin socks and orange and black polka-dot bow. Can I just so it is SOOO much fun having a little girl!!

Of course Halloween would not be complete without a package arriving in the mail all the way from Michigan. Thanks Grandma and Grandpa!

Ready for an evening at the Fun Fest at church followed by trick or treating in the neighborhood.

Our most recent family portrait. From left to right - Fairy Princess, Princess Leia, Anakin Skywalker and The Masked Retriever.

The Masked Retriever is Riley's made-up guy. He was told that he could be anything he wanted to be for Halloween as long as he used items that we already had and/or I would make him something from material we already had. In other words, we were not going to buy him a costume. So, he requested a mask and did the rest of his costume himself. I love it! There wasn't much to his costume, but I loved that he "designed" it himself. He was so very proud of it.

Just some pics

2009-10-24T01:27:00.000-07:00

I Wanna Go!!

2009-10-21T06:35:00.000-07:00

Those were my exact words when Carey told me that the scouts would be taking a tour of the NBC5 news studio. This is the news channel that I grew up watching ... Harold Taft showing us the weather and Santa coming into Fort Worth on the radar on Christmas Eve. There was also the Children's Hour on Sunday morning with the guy who would read the comics from the Star Telegram. Who could forget the advertising campaign in the early 90's of "Let's JAM" with Jane and Mike on the evening news. I am such a huge fan! I just had to go! So, it was a family outing for us.

The scouts doing their salute. Little Miss right there behind Riley doing her salute.

Riley and his buddy, Joseph, in the news room. I would like to say that they were listening intently to our tour guide, but there were about 20 TVs in this room, so I do believe that they were just watching TV.

In the studio behind the news anchor desk. The scouts were instructed not to touch the desk, because little fingerprints show up in HD. I am sure the temptation was just overwhelming. I was a bit busy at this point trying to keep Victoria from climbing and crawling all over the studio set.

I do believe this was the best part by far ... in front of the green screen with the 5-day forecast and being able to see themselves on TV. Very cool. They couldn't contain themselves.

Riley had a good time, but Carey and I by far had the best time. It was really kinda neat to see how they do everything. All the cameras are controlled by computers, so there aren't cameramen anymore. The studio just has the anchors and one other person to give them there prompts. Most of the work is done in a room with many monitors and computers and chairs and wires and switches and glass walls. We were there around 7PM and the place was just about empty. That surprised me. I thought they would all be running about getting news stories and preparing for the 10PM news. Nope. Almost all of them went home except for about 5 people in the news room that were leisurely working, eating dinner, talking on the phones. Alot more laid back than I pictured.

Riley's most favorite part was the goody bag he got when the tour was over. There was a plastic slinky in it with NBC5 printed on it. He was in heaven. He said it is his most favorite toy ever and that was the best night ever.

The slinky has since disappeared and been long forgotten.

Pictures pictures pictures!!!

2009-09-29T12:12:00.000-07:00

We got these done at the Target Portrait Studio in Hulen. This is our 3rd time to go there and I am always so pleased with the pictures. Plus, with the coupon, it is only $4 a sheet. Such a deal! The photographer did such a good job just capturing them being themselves.

Here they are - Riley age 6 and Victoria age 2:

Ballerina and Swine Flu

2009-09-28T11:12:00.000-07:00

Wow ... what a week we had last week. By the time we got to the end of it I was spent. Carey was out of town in Wyoming (so jealous) for a couple of days and then spent almost every other waking moment working on the deck (the project that just keeps going and going and going and never seems to end) and helping me get the house ready for my Pampered Chef party on Thursday night.

Amidst all this work that Carey and I tackled this past week, we definitely had one high point and one low point of the week:

Ballerina

This was no doubt the high point of the week. Victoria was invited by one of her little friends to Bring a Friend Week at a dance studio here in Saginaw. So, we of course got all the necessities to attend the class ... pink leotard, pink tights and pink ballet shoes. He he he. This just makes me so giddy. I mentioned in my last post that Carey has been looking forward to Scouts for Riley since birth. Well, I distinctly remember getting all excited about dance class for Victoria once all the medication wore off after her birth.

And can I tell you it was the most precious thing ever!! I was prepared for the worst ... ya know, tears, screaming, begging, pleading ... for both her and I, but she did fantastic! Her little friend grabbed her hand and they walked together down the hall into the studio. She did most of the moves and participated as well as you could expect a 2 year old with a short attention span to participate. The cutest was when they were doing Chasse' across the floor. Victoria was last in line and by the time it was her turn, she was so excited to go to the other side of the room, that she just ran! It was hilarious!! Seeing her in her little pinkness, chubby toddler body running so excitedly across the floor ... I loved it! As the lesson went on, she was getting a little restless and I saw her running around the teacher a couple of times, but all in all she did so well. The jury is still out on whether we will put her in lessons this Spring or wait until next fall. We'll see. My vote is now, but the checkbook doesn't agree as of yet.

Swine Flu

And this was no doubt the low point of the week. Riley's school called Thursday afternoon saying that he had a fever of 101. So, I went to get him, gave him some advil and he rested for about ... an hour. Then he was bored and wanted to play. He had been having a cough on and off all week, so I was thinking that he probably had a sinus infection. The plan was to see how he did that night and take him to the doc in the morning. Well, somewhere around 8PM, he came downstairs during the Pampered Chef party, and seriously people, he looked terrible. His eyes looked awful. That night he ran a temp of about 103 - 104. He was sooooo sick.

That next morning we went to the doctor and as soon as he walked in the room and looked at Riley, he told me it was the flu ... the swine flu. Well, I just about fainted. Pretty sure you could have knocked me over with a feather. He did the test and sure enough he was right. He spent about 10 minutes with me explaining that it wasn't gonna be as bad as I thought it was. He even said that the seasonal flu is much worse. He hadn't had any of his patients hospitalized and most were fine to go back to school in 4 -5 days. By the time we left, I felt a little better. I really trust my doctor. He was my pediatrician growing up. He is smart and a good man.

So, we got the tamiflu prescription filled (which is not covered by insurance, urgh) and within about 12 hours of his first dose, his fever was down and within 24 hours he was fever free. Yay!! We are on day 4 and he is fine. He still has a cough, but no fever for 48 hours now. Phew! So glad it wasn't as bad as they were thinking it would be. The incubation period is 1-4 days and so far only Victoria has had any symptoms. Hers are very mild (cold and fever of 100) and we have a script for tamiflu at CVS that we are gonna start her on today.

Another side effect of the swine flu is that it is driving us stir crazy. The kids have not been out of this house for 3 days now. I ventured out yesterday for about an hour to run a few errands. That wasn't enough. Needless to say, I am looking forward to going to the cleaners, blockbuster and CVS today. I got all dressed up for it and everything.

Scouts

2009-09-18T13:53:00.001-07:00

Riley started cub scouts this week. Yay! I do believe that Carey has been waiting for this since the doctor exclaimed "It's a boy!" in the operating room 6 1/2 years ago. This should be right up his alley. I think that Riley is really going to like it ... and Carey too. He is going to serve as a den leader since there are so many boys signed up. However, Victoria was not too happy about Riley getting to go to scouts ...

Victoria: "Where going, Riley?"
Riley: "I am going to boy scouts."
Victoria: "Me too!"
Mommy: "You have to be a boy to go to boy scouts. That is why Daddy is going too. The girls, you and me, will stay here."
Victoria: "I wanna be boy! Boy, boy, boy, boy!!" At this point she is jumping up and down.

The "I wanna be boy" went on until the boys left ... and then some. Mommy fixed it with some Dora and a snack of some sort (probably chocolate).

Now that we have added scouts to our calendar, our plate is officially full. Sunday night is Awanas, Wednesday night is Children's and Adult Choir and now Thursday night is cub scouts. There is no room for anything else. Amidst all this activity there is also dinner to be made and eaten, homework to be done, bikes to be ridden, a backyard to be played in, baths to be taken, books to be read, toys to be played with, and a faith to be taught and encouraged. So no more activities on school nights. We have plenty to do. That's enough. No more.

Well, until dance lessons for Miss Victoria next fall
... or maybe even sooner :)!!!!!

Good-bye Training Wheels

2009-09-01T10:09:00.000-07:00

Well after about a month or so of practicing and encouraging, Riley can ride his bike without training wheels!! YAY! We are SO proud of him. He wanted to give up most of the time. I am so glad Riley has a Daddy that did not give in to his pleas to quit (his Momma probably would have caved). I am also SO VERY glad that he has a Daddy that did not mind running next to him as he rode past the house about a dozen times or so. Momma would definitely have not been up for that.

First Day of First Grade

2009-08-25T07:13:00.001-07:00

**Updated** (I forgot about the All About Me bag)

Riley was just so excited about his first day of first grade. I on the other hand, was a basket-case. I was SO nervous for him. He was good until we got to his room. Then he started to get nervous too. We waited in the hall until about 8AM. I guess this is how they do the first day?? We were late last year (got there around 8:05) and they were already in the room and doing the pledge on the loud speaker.

Anyway, he didn't know any of the kids sitting down in the hall, so he just stood there and was doing a little nervous fidgety thing with his hands. I held back my tears and the quiver in my voice and started to talk to him about his new classroom and how the teacher decorated it like a jungle and so on. That helped. Then, his friend walked up ... Yay!! I could just tell by his body language that he felt better.

So, after like FOREVER, they went into the classroom to find their desk. Well, at meet the teacher, Riley picked out what desk he would sit at. For some reason (and I am sure it is a good one) the teacher decided to move some of the kids around. Riley was looking for his desk, found it and then the pouty lip started. Victoria and I rushed over to him before any tears started. I then tried my best to cheer him up. It worked. He was sitting and ready to color within seconds. Phew. Averted a meltdown on the first day.

So, Victoria and I said our good-byes. She was VERY upset that she was not going to the first grade with Riley. She wants to go to school so bad. She would probably do really well in a preschool, but Momma wouldn't yet. So, maybe next year (if funds allow). She didn't want to leave and was just a milla-second away from a screaming crying fit. I then told her I had a surprise toy in the car for her and asked her if she wanted to go play with it (thank you Gigi!!). She whispered yes and we were out the door.

I wanted to burst into tears all the way out the door and in the car, but I held them off. Big mistake ... had a headache the rest of the day. Next time, I will just let the tears fly.

We made our way home and started our day together. I kept very busy so I wouldn't think about how much I missed Riley. Victoria missed him too. She asked me 4 or 5 times where Riley was. She even brought me a shirt to wear. "Air dis shirt. Go in car. Riley." Which means "I want to wear this shirt to go in the car to get Riley right now." This was at 11:30. My family was so great yesterday. My mom called me twice, my dad once and my sister-in-law once to all check on me. They new it was gonna be hard for me.

So 3:00 finally came and we were there ready to see Riley. He ran up to us and was just so happy ... all smiles. These are some of the things he had to say about his first day ...

"It was SOOOO fun."
"The time ran out and I didn't eat all my lunch."
"It is just like kindergarten, but there are no centers."
"I got a star today. You knew I would, right?"
"Lunch is a yellow, so we whisper."
"If I get stars all week, I get a prize out of the zebra box. It doesn't have a head. It just has zebra stripes on it."
"There is a new climbing wall in PE. You sign a note so I can do it."
"We have PE everyday."

That is all we got out of him. That is pretty good for Riley. I usually pull info out of him and get alot less than this. We got all this over the course of the evening. So it seems to me he really enjoyed himself. He didn't get to do his presentation of his "All About Me" bag. They were supposed to bring five things from home that describe them. This is what he brought:

1. Blue goggles - because his favorite color is blue and he likes to swim
2. A lizard - because he likes lizards
3. A picture of cinnamon rolls - his most favorite food (who could blame him)
4. His Bible - because he likes to go to church (can I say how much I love this!!)
5. The case to his Indiana Jones Lego Wii game - because he likes to play Wii and Legos

We probably spent an hour and a half working on his homework. Yep ... first day of first grade and we had homework. There is a class notebook that goes home with each child and we were the first to get it. Riley answered about 20 questions about himself and then made a page all about himself. It took a while for him to write all his answers to the questions. Especially since he had to write it so that others could actually read it. We were a bit out of practice on our writing. Ooops.

He was totally exhausted by the end of the day. Put him to bed around 8:30 and did not hear a peep out of him ... that usually doesn't happen.

He informed me this morning before we left for his second day, that he didn't need me to walk him into the school. He knew where to go. I love that he is starting to have more confidence and independence.

But I still miss him and want to know all that he is doing. I will just trust that the Lord has him safe in his hand.

Gonna miss it

2009-08-20T09:09:00.000-07:00

Gonna miss it bad. We had such a great summer and I'm gonna miss it.

Our summer was a bit lazy. That seems to be our family theme for summers around here. I always try to have big plans for many things to do, but we enevitably end up just takin' it easy and enjoying each other. During the school year, I feel like we are just go-go-go. It is a nice break to just stay-stay and maybe go some.

We did spend at least one day a week over at Pops and Gigi's house swimmin' in the pool. Riley did so great, especially after his swimming lessons at the Saginaw Rec Center. After those many trips to that pool, our backyard blow-up pool managed to loose some of its appeal. He could spend hours goofin' around in Pops and Gigi's pool. Remember those days. The hours in the pool would pass by in seconds. You would get so bummed at the "only 10 more mnutes and then time to get out." Then scramble to get about 20 more jumps in the pool in and a dozen or so more flips underwater. Meanwhile, unbeknowest to you, your parents are melting on the pool deck so desparately wanting to go inside.

Victoria had a few scares in the water one day, so we decided to get her a life jacket. Found a Dora one. Perfect! She wore it around the house for about 3 hours on the afternoon I brought it home from Walmart. There was no problem getting her to wear it at the pool. These are the times that I just love licensed products. Thank you Nick Jr and your merchandising department. She only lasts about an hour in the pool and then proceeds to get undressed right there pool-side. Its pretty cute.

We had some playdates with our school and church chums. Those were lots of fun. VBS was a blast and so were the bounce house places. We also had a good time at the Frank Buck Zoo in Gainesville. That is the perfect size zoo. We went to Chuckie Cheeses for the very first time this summer. That was super fun for the kids, Riley especially loved it. Then there was of course our big family vacation. That was the best! Those are some of the best memories I have from when I was a kid. Vacations in the family car traveling all over the country. So fun! Carey and I are trying to do the same thing with our kids. I think this one was a pretty good start!

We also did plenty of staying up late and sleeping in. My goal for this week was to get us back on schedule. Wake-up at 7AM, lunch at Noon, Victoria's nap at 1PM, dinner at 6PM and bedtime at 8PM. Didn't happen. We are still on summer schedule. Wake-up at 9AM, lunch at 1PM, Victoria's nap at 2:30, dinner at 7PM and bedtime around 9PM. I would say that we could work on it tomorrow, but we have big plans for our last day of summer.

Riley did learn how to pump on the swing set (finally) and we are working on riding the bike without training wheels right now. Maybe we will have it by the weekend. He had his first driving lesson in Michigan on Grandpa's tractor. He was pretty proud of himself.

Victoria can almost play baseball on the Wii and we are still working on the bowling. She was so cute the other day. She had spent her naptime taking almost every book down from her bookshelf. When I asked her if she had a good naptime, she informed me that she couldn't read. She said it with a frown on her face. So cute. I imagine that she was trying to hard to read all those book and just got so frustrated with it. Ya know how it is ... wants to be able to do everything big brother can.

And also, we are officially pacifier free!! We have gone two days with no "shire." This has been a long time coming. What finally worked you ask? We can't find any. We had one left at the beginning of the week. Then its status changed to MIA. I did find it this morning when changing the bed sheets. I need to throw it away. Victoria has adapted well. She has a runny nose today and doesn't feel very well. This is when a shire would be good to have. She is currently sucking her thumb instead. I have never seen her do this before. Whatever works baby girl.

We didn't do all that I had original planned to do this summer. Lack of funds kept us from hitting the local water parks and Six Flags. And me not wanting to take the kids all by myself also kept us from doing that too. Also, Riley didn't read as many books or write as many letters as I hoped we would. Only 25 books (goal was 70) and 1 letter (goal was 30). Oh well.

So our plan for tomorrow is to sleep in just one more time (Yay!!) and then head over to Pops and Gigi's to swim for a bit. Then we are off to shop. I would like to get Riley something brand-new to wear on the first day of school. Then dinner out ... some place nice. Some place other than Sonic. Some place listed on the back of the giftcard I got for my birthday :)

I have loved spending these summer days with my kids! I feel so blessed that the Lord has allowed me to be a full time stay-at-home mom. I prayed for this opportunity the first 4 years I had Riley. Once Victoria was born, we were finally able to do it. It is wonderful. Sure, it would be really nice to have less debt, a nicer vehicle for Carey and the ability to go where we want without having to weigh the cost of it. But none of that is worth the price I would have to pay to not get this time with my kids. I love having my peeps around. They are my most favorite people in the world.

I am sad about Riley going back to school ... just like I was last year. Victoria and I are going to miss him so much. He does LOVE school and misses his little friends. So, I am excited for him to start back. But still sad for me. I am a bit nervous about meet the teacher tonight. I just hope there is at least one of his friends in his class. We didn't request a teacher. I wasn't sure what to do, so I didn't. He is a really good kid, so I am confident that he will do well with any teacher. I just hope she is nice and fun.

Yep. Gonna miss the summer. But what makes it easier is that I so love the fall.

Summer 2009 Road Trip

2009-08-10T13:08:00.000-07:00

We started our road trip on Tuesday, July 28th. It was just the kids and me. Carey had to work, so he met up with us in Denver on Thursday. The first day was just driving. We managed to drive only 600 miles in about 14 hours. Not good. We travel a bit slow when kids are in tow. Anyway, we made it to Colorado City, CO and stayed in an awful Days Inn ... never again Days Inn. I was afraid to touch the light switch and the carpet was wet??? Not to mention the piece of plywood we slept on. Fortunately the accommodations improved on our trip.

We made our way to Colorado Springs on Wednesday and stopped off at Focus on the Family. So much fun for the kids! They have an area just for kids to play in with a stage and dress-up clothes, puppet show stage, a huge 4-story slide (which we didn't get to do because of the incoming thunderstorm as you can see from the picture at their Pike's Peak lookout), and tons of other really neat stuff. Then off to Denver to settle in at the hotel.

View of Pike's Peak from Focus on the Family lookout.

Thursday was a big day of tux fittings, picking up Carey at the airport, rehearsal and rehearsal dinner and then some late-night bowling fun. Big day and it was so fun that some of our dearest friends were there with us too. Had a blast with them, even amidst the car-sickness of the Colorado mountain drivin'.

Lookout Mountain in Colorado

Red Rock in Colorado

Friday was the big wedding day in Evergreen for my little brother. We were hoping for no rain, but about 30 minutes before the wedding, huge raindrops were falling. The sky cleared up right at 6PM in time to dry off some chairs and get everyone seated. The kids looked so good. Victoria was not happy about getting dressed, but finally resolved to the fact that she was going to wear that dress and that headpiece. And Riley was very excited about wearing his "tux-speedo." Isn't that hilarious?! "Tux-speedo." I just hope on the first day of school he doesn't tell everyone that this summer he was in a wedding and wore a "tux-speedo." Riley and Victoria did fantastic walking down the isle together. Riley carried 2 white roses in one hand and was holding Victoria's hand in the the other. Then Riley stood by Uncle Kevin (the best man) and Victoria sat down with Pops. The rain started up again. Fortunately it only last about 10 minutes and was just sprinkles. The rest of the ceremony was just so sweet and precious. Riley and Victoria really enjoyed the fresh fruit slushes and the sparkling cider afterwards. They had a ton of energy and danced most of the evening. Poor little Victoria had blisters on her heals from her pretty princess shoes.

With Pops

Enjoying fresh fruit slush after she did her job at the wedding.
She cheered up quite a bit after having a couple of these.

Saturday was the brunch at the Father of the Bride's house. The kids got to feed the horses, which they loved. Then off to Mount Rushmore. It is about a 650 mile drive from Denver. It happened to be Sturgis Bike Week, so we saw our fair share of the motorcyclage. Thousands and thousands of them. We also had no, I mean absolutely no cell signal from the border of Wyoming until about halfway through the state of South Dakota. And Carey could not stop talking about wanting to move there. In the middle of no where. I can appreciate living in the country to be away from the hustle and bustle of city-life just as much as the next girl, but no cell phones and more livestock than people ... no thanks! Not to mention I saw no Walmart or Target or mall for that matter for many many miles.

View of the mountains from Aunt Katie's Dad's house near Denver.

Sunday morning was Mount Rushmore. The kids were SO sleep deprived at this point. Riley was standing in front of the mirror at the hotel holding his eyelids open. "They won't stay open, Mommy." I felt the same way. Alot of late nights and early mornings and so much driving. Anyway, he was really impressed with Mount Rushmore, but was ready to head out after about 10 minutes. We stayed about an hour and a half. It has changed so much since I had been there 25 years ago.

Then off to Chicago. We had a 900 mile journey in front of us. We got as far as somewhere in Minnesota by that evening. And let me tell ya, there is nothing, nothing, nothing in South Dakota but a bunch of grass. And there is only farmland in Minnesota. I missed the mountains and civilization.

By Monday afternoon, we were driving into Chicago. I was so nervous. Our plan was to park by Union Station, buy 2 all day commuter passes, go to the top of the Sears Tower, take the L-train and Subway to the Magnificent Mile to shop at the Lego store, grab a slice of pizza and make our way out of town.

Well, it didn't quite work out for us. The line to go to the sky-deck of the Sears Tower was probalby about 2 hours long. It being about 2PM, we decided to forgo since we hadn't eaten lunch yet and just make our way to the Lego Store. I am kinda glad we did. We since foudn out that Carey's cousin just got a job in that building and has volunteered to take us up next time we visit ... cool! So we make our way to the L-train and purchase two $5 passes for our 1/2 mile journey through town via public transportation with two kids in tow. Scary. I was so afraid we would get on the wrong train/subway and end up on the bad part of town protecting out children for dear life. Or someone would snatch them away from us or we would get separated ... I know, I watch too many Lifetime movies and crime-solving dramas.

Anyway, we did good, except when Victoria went through the turn-style before Carey and he had nothing left on his card. So glad the Subway attendant took pity on us. We (or I) forgot the stroller, so Victoria spent most of the time on Carey's shoulders and I was in charge of Riley.

It is definitely different there. It was kinda neat seeing all the street talent, musicians and singers. Everyone was walking so fast though. We met some people at the Sears Tower and on the subway. Neither were from Chicago ... just visiting. We did grab a slice before we headed out of town. The thick crust pizza was ok, but the thin crust was SO yummy! The kids didn't care for it, so more for me!

On the subway in Chicago.

Sears Tower - I was just about laying on the sidewalk
and I still couldn't get the top in the picture.

We finally made it all the way up to Suttons Bay by about 10PM that night. The kids were SO excited to see Grandpa and Grandma!! And it was nice just to lay low for a few days before hopping back in the car again.

We spent the next three days (T, W, TH) just being around Carey's family. We always enjoy that. Played at the park, road the train, played with cousins, slept late (Yay!!), got new tires for the van, went sailing on Lake Michigan with Carey at the helm, went swimming in the lake (them, not me) and finally went t-shirt shopping. I was so incredibly bummed that we didn't have time to get Colorado t-shirts or sweatshirts, so I went a bit crazy/nut-so getting t-shirts for us in Traverse City. We just had a blast visiting with family and having everyone play with the kids.

Carey got stuck at the playground. The kids are "helping" him out.

Victoria with Grandpa at Lake Michigan.

Sailing with Daddy. She loves the water.

At least one of us is smiling. Not sure what Victoria's deal was.

Swimming in Lake Michigan

It was a bitter-sweet visit though. It was our first time up in the summer without Carey's Grandmother around. We, especially Carey, miss her so very much. Her house was always our first stop everyday. We know without a doubt though that we will see her again in glory and that works for me!

We headed out on Friday morning and made our way to East Lansing, MI. Carey and I lived there our first 4 years of marriage while he went Michigan State University. It is always so great to go back there to visit. We of course bought some more MSU-wear ... can't have too much, and then had some yummy Gyro's at Lou and Harry's.

On the road again and made it to St. Louis by that evening. By this point, my car was a totally wreck. The back seat was covered in milk, juice and cereal bars. I climbed back there to get something out of the ice chest at one point and had food on my leg when I stood up ... so gross!

Our last leg of the trip was on Saturday. We decided to stop at the Meramac Caverns in Missouri just because we were there and we always wanted to do it. Carey had been there when he was a kid and said it was memorable. So we did it. It was ok. I think Riley was impressed and really liked it, so it was worth the $45 and 2 hour detour. Then home. We got home around 9:30 that night. Totally exhausted. The kids hadn't had a bath since Suttons Bay Michigan. My van just reeked.

4500 miles. 14 states. 3 timezones. 12 days. So tired. Lots of laundry. But some awesome memories. Our kids are hilarious and my husband is the best. He is such a great traveling companion. I loved it when the kids were sound asleep in the back seat and him and I are singing Ooops I Did It Again by Britney Spears at the top of our lungs. So fun.

We did have some casualties from the trip ... the diffuser for my hairdryer is at some hotel in South Dakota, one of Victoria's really cute sippy cups is at an Applebee's in Indiana and my pillows are in Suttons Bay, MI. So sad to see those things go, but at least I will get my pillows back at Christmas.

Oh, and the next time I eat a french fry will be too soon.

Big Girl Bed

2009-08-10T12:28:00.001-07:00

After months and months of searching and changing my mind countless times and even returning a toddler bed, I finally decided on Victoria's Big Girl furniture. I LOVE IT! It is just so pretty. It looks perfect in her room next to her girly purple walls and all her girly little things.

Big Girl Bed - My Grandmother bought me this quilt about
20 years ago. I love that it looks perfect in her room.
So far we have not had any escapes from the bed in the evening.
Now naptime ... that is a different story.

Storytime with Daddy before bed.

Ready for bed her first night. We didn't have the rails up yet,

so we covered the ground with MANY pillows. She did great!

I love her bedroom so much, that I wish it was MY bedroom.

Keepin' Cool

2009-07-14T07:34:00.000-07:00

For those of you who do not have the privilege of living in this great state of ours, I will inform you that it is, well ... JUST SO STINKIN' HOT HERE!! So, the only way that our little family makes it outside is if there is water involved.

We put baby oil on it it make it more slippery. It worked!
Carey slid from one end to the other ... no problem.

I love Riley in the background!!

Then Victoria's turn. She would run beside it and then go sit in the
splash down area. Hilarious!!!

Summer Fun

2009-06-25T12:22:00.001-07:00

So here is a glimpse of our summer so far ...

Swimming lessons at the Aquatic Center.

He is working SO hard.

Learning to mow with Daddy.

VBS

Riley singing to Jesus.

Riley with his school and church buds.

Lazy afternoon playing the Wii (Victoria isn't really playing).

Laying on the steps ... seemed fun at the time.

Ready for bed ... complete with goggles.

Riley: "Mom ... I need a pencil, paper and tape."
Shortly after, I discovered this sign posted on his door.
"Don't Come in Here. Stop"
I do believe that Riley had enough of little sis messing up his room.

At the Frank Buck Zoo. Really great zoo if you don't mind the drive to Gainesville.

Playing at the park with friends from church.

Swimmin' at Pops and Gigis.

I believe that this is Riley frozen in carbonite (think Han Solo, Empire Strikes Back).

After a long day swimmin', she fell asleep ... with her fingers in her ears.

Progress on our summer reading chart. We started off slow, but are finally picking up momentum.

And then there are the two teeth that Riley pulled himself within 24 hours of each other. So brave. He's just growing up so fast. Victoria pretty much just follows Riley around the house all day. They get along fairly well. I break-up at least a half dozen arguments/fights/tiffs/disagreements a day. BUT, they bounce back so quickly and are all hugs and kisses and each other's best friend the next second.

And I have had some fun too. A Girls Night Out, Pampered Chef Party, Purse Party and we finally bought some new flooring! YAY! Hoping to install flooring on July 4th weekend. It is amazing what the Thompson family can do to brand-new carpet in the course of just one year. It's actually pretty gross.

Kindergarten Graduation and the Last Day of School

2009-06-11T14:17:00.000-07:00

Well, it was actually a "Kindergarten Completion Ceremony." It is against school district policy to have a graduation. Ridiculous.

Getting his certificate from the principal.

So proud. Ditched the tie and jacket already.

With his teacher Mrs. Bush. Isn't she just adorable?

We were so proud of ourselves for getting there early to get a good seat. But then they marched the kiddos in and Mrs. Bush's class was on the back row. Alright. Can't see Riley at all. That's ok. I will just take the camcorder and go up front and record the little program they have prepared. So, there I am recording the first song. Oh it is just so cute. Clap, clap, clap. The song is over. Then I press pause on the camcorder. Sigh. Nope, I just pressed record. Yep, didn't get a single second of the song. Just the applause at the end. I did get the second song, but it just wasn't quite as cute as the first. I went back to my seat and told the family that I forgot to press record. Right then and there I do believe that my parents contemplated disowning me. I managed to talk Mrs. Bush into doing an encore performance during the party on the last day of school. Phew.

But can I just say, he looked so handsome in his shirt, coat and tie. He was so excited to wear it. He told me the day before that he wanted to wear a tie to school everyday (so cute, he loves to get all dressed up). Not a good idea Little Man. Let's try to do what we can to avoid the bully bulls eye. We will just stick with a shirt and tie to church for now.

Riley eating breakfast on his last day of school.

The Last Day of School.

The First Day of School.

He did change a bit during the year. Less teeth, a bit taller, bigger feet, more confident of himself. And Victoria looks SO different. And our bushes in the front really grew!

The last day of school has mixed emotions for me. I was totally against this whole going to kindergarten thing from the beginning. And when I say from the beginning, I mean since January 27th, 2003 beginning. Seriously, I vividly remember sitting in that there hospital bed holding him and thinking and being totally against him going to kindergarten. But, I let him go anyway.

So glad I did. He LOVES school. Totally loves it! He gets so excited about being able to read. He is proud everyday that he comes home with a green star. He is just totally disappointed in himself when he has changed his card and there is no green star in his folder. We had one time there that he had to change his card three days in a row. That was a hard time for him. However, one of those times, he was sticking up for a friend that was getting picked on, so that doesn't count. So proud of him that day. In fact, we told him to never be afraid of breaking the rules to stick up for a friend.

His favorite this is free choice centers. He gets to play LEGOs with his buds and I guess that is just the best thing ever! He loves computer, music, art, library ... all of it. Well, except for PE. He tells me that they run in PE. I am with you on that one bud. I used to say that you will only see me running if someone is chasing me. I now go with my brother's line. Actually, I would just lay down and play dead instead. Kim don't run. It hurts.

He did so well academically this year too. He was able to complete all the goals except knowing his home address. He is reading at a 1st grade level. I am super proud of that considering that it took awhile for it all to click with him. Hoping to keep that up this summer. They journaled during the year, so he brought home his spiral journal with pages and pages filled with pictures and captions. It is just the most precious thing I have ever seen. I have cube filled to the brim with all his papers he brought home. I may just throw all those out and just keep the journal.

Mrs. Bush also made a memory book that is just the cutest with pictures from the first week of school and the last week. She also made a slide-show of the kids and we each got a copy. She is just the BEST. Went so way and beyond for the kids and parents. I could go on and on about her. The Lord definitely answered my prayer for Riley's first teacher and then some. She has been such a blessing to Riley and me. This was my first year to have a child in school and be a room mom. She made it an enjoyable year. I love her sincerity, integrity and love for each one of those kids. We will miss her. Hopefully Victoria will get her in 3 years. Wow, just 3 years. Oh man. My heart is breaking all over again.

And now he is moving on to 1st grade soon ... the big time, big stuff, the real deal. No cutesy, woutsy kindergarten stuff. Sigh.

What time is it? Summertime!!

2009-05-30T19:59:00.000-07:00

(So that is the opening song from HSM2 ... for those of you who do not know)

Anyway, can I just say that I cannot remember being this excited about summer since I was like 10. As Riley would say "I am so exciting!" I think a big part of it is that Riley will be home ... YAY! I miss that Little Man during the day and cannot wait to have him back all to myself. He is our constant source of entertainment. Just so full of joy and nonsense. We love love having him around.

What else about summertime do we love? The absence of dragging two babies out of bed every morning, getting them dressed while half asleep, stuffing breakfast down one of their throats and then rushing off to school. I guess that is the one drawback of having children that love to sleep in as much as their mommy and daddy do ... the mornings can be a bit difficult in the get up and go department.

But, that is what is so great about summer ... not alot of get up and go. The Texan Thompsons have been known to sleep in as late as 9AM on summer days. I do believe that I am getting back some of missed sleeping hours from 2003. Not a good year for Kim as far as sleep goes. Averaged about 4-5 hours a night, courtesy of Mr. Riley. No lie. Ask Carey. He was there too. He was asleep, but he was there. Heard all about it the next day. I will give him credit. It was his master touch that got Riley to FINALLY sleep through the night at 12 months of age. Thank you hon ... I am forever grateful.

Anyway, what else? Swimming with our new cousins at Pops and Gigis, tank tops and flip flops (or flop flops as Victoria calls them), VBS, ice cream truck, playdates with our buds, staying up late, cookouts, a trip to Six Flags (oh boy), going to the movies, our two week vaca to Colorado and Michigan, zoo days, and maybe hit a couple of water parks (again, oh boy).

And then there are the days of just lounging around the house. Those are the days I look forward to. Carey went out and bought one of those inflatable $20 pools from Walmart last weekend. Well, you would have thought we put down $40,000 for a brand-new pool. The kids love that thing!! This past week, they spent a total of about 12 hours in it. I kid you not ... the first words out of Victoria's mouth every morning last week "simsue, golls?" Translation "swimsuit and goggles?" Mommy likes it too. I can sit on our covered back deck and just watch the kids fight ... I mean play in the pool, while I sip on my Diet DP and enjoy doing ... nothing. Quite nice. So I am sure most of our days will be spent in the backyard a'swimmin in the Thompson Pond.

I am also going to try my best to work with Riley on his reading this summer. He is doing so very well and I would like to keep up the momentum. So, the plan is to read with him during the first 30-45 minutes of Victoria's nap everyday. I am really going to stick to my guns on this one. We are making a chart to hang on the wall with rewards for reading a certain number of books. Riley wants Carey and me to participate too. Not a bad idea. As Riley would say "I just have so many good ideas in this brain."

I also want him to work on his handwriting and spelling. He will be writing letters to family and friends. So don't be surprised if you get a letter from Riley in which all the words are spelled phonetically and there is a drawing of a guy with some sort of weapon with a rainbow over his head (those a his favorite things to draw right now).

As far as Victoria, well ... we will just be working on getting through the day without a spanking or a time-out. Those only seem to occur in the presence of Riley. So, I am preparing myself now for the "Mooooommmmeeeee, Victoria just __________ (fill in the blank with any number of catastrophes that could possibly happen to the older mild manner sweet hearted complacent brother of a strong-willed in your face outright defiant little sister). Poor guy just doesn't stand a chance.

There's the plan. Only 4 more days. Super fun. Summertime.

Memorial Day Weekend

2009-05-26T08:28:00.000-07:00

Wow ... what a weekend. Our little family had a super great time together. Got a glimpse of summer. Did some shopping, fishing, roof-building, gardening, landscaping, swinging, swimming, movie watching, coloring, grilling, and organizing (the mound of Legos on Riley's bedroom floor is no more, YAY!).

It was a full weekend and I am dog tired. We all are. We are going to have to take things a bit slower this summer or none of us will survive.

Season Finales

2009-05-22T16:40:00.000-07:00

Some were good.

Some were very awesome.

Some were lame.

Some were very confusing ... the ones with the time travel ... that gets me every time.

Lost - That would pretty much explain it for me. Totally and completely lost. I have no idea what is going on. So, John Locke is still dead? And Jacob is a real person, not the Doc's dead dad come back to life on the island? And why didn't Sun go back in time with her buds? And I totally agree with the guy who hears dead people talk ... how do we know that the nuke explosion didn't cause the radiation leak that led to the button not getting pushed which led to the crash of the airplane way back in episode one?? So so so many questions and we have to wait until 2010 for the premiere. And let me just say, if you have no earthly idea what I am talking about, get it on netflicks or blockbuster or downloads or whatever and watch it this summer. Believe me, it is some real good TV watchin' time. That is how we got hooked last Fall. We watched like 4 seasons in two weeks. Good stuff.

Chuck - "I know kung fu." So completely and totally awesome was that! Lovin' that show. And I am a huge, huge fan of Scott Bakula. Love that Quantum Leap. Could watch those reruns all day!

The Unit - I say good riddins Molly Blaine. I am usually for marriages staying together, but I'm sorry lady, your character is so utterly annoying. And the whole thing with the new guy going rogue on purpose. Wow, so did not see that coming. Still, I will never trust him again.

NCIS - So Ziva has been kidnapped by some terrorists in Egypt. Fine by me. Never trusted her. Let's get some new blood. But seriously CBS, don't ever take Gibbs or Denozoe off the show. I will be forced to cut you off just like I did to NBC when they took Carter off of ER. I am not joking.

Sarah Connor Chronicles - Ok, I was really upset when you killed off Brian Austin Green. It was so random and unexpected. I mean, there he was one moment ya know, doing his thing and then all of a sudden, he had a bullet in his head. What?! BUT, now he is alive in the future where John Connor is, but John Connor doesn't exists? And judgment day happened anyway? What? And will Riley be there? What about Cameron? And will she be a machine or a real live person? Another show that I am utterly ... lost.

Smallville - (No laughing. I know we are not the target audience, but we are vested at this point and have to watch it to the end) Well, you finally gained some momentum there at the end, but seriously, did you have to kill Jimmy? And what is it with EVERYONE knowing Clark's secret? Not much of a secret now is it. And Lois is in the future? And Clark, where is he going? You didn't make that clear. And has Davis come back to life as ZOD? Again, another show that I am ... lost.

House - It was all just a hallucination brought on by his medication? So cool! I mean, that totally caught me off guard. Just like killing off Kutner ... and that other girl. Which, for the record, I really liked them. If we must toast people (that is what we call it at the Thompson house), let's get rid of the old characters that have no depth. I mean they are barely on the show anyway. Or that chick that is dying of some sort of disease. I am not that attached to her either.

Castle - What about her mom's death? What is it? C'mon. Does every single show have to end with a cliffhanger? We like the show. That is why we watch it. Cliffhangers are not needed to keep us watching. We will stay loyal.

Battlestar Gallactica - Series Finale = LAME. Totally and completely lame. Did we have to wrap it all up and put a pretty bow on top? I didn't expect such cheesiness out of a cutting edge show like this one. Lame and cheesy - it is something that, well, I would have written. That's me, lame and cheesy. That is not BSG. I will overlook it. I mean the series was total awesomeness up to that point.

Phew ... I know that sounds like a lot of TV watchin' for the Texan Thompsons, but with the DVR and all, it goes by lickity-split. I mean, we are only talking like 6 hours a week. Is that bad? There is only so much Dora and Diego and Sesame Street a person can handle. We do require some entertainment that goes a little deeper than colors, shapes and our next rescue mission.

So, this summer there are just a few that the Texan Thompsons will be awatchin': Eureka, Burn Notice, The Next Food Network Star, Leverage, Psych, Monk and more of Law and Order: Criminal Intent (so lovin' that Jeff Goldblum - he is just so weird).

And of course Star Wars: The Clone Wars on cartoon network. Well, only two of us will be watching that. And I am not one of them.

We Love Brown Paper Packages

2009-05-21T08:54:00.001-07:00

So, the reason we are the "Texan Thompsons" is because the rest of Carey's family lives in Michigan. And when I say the rest, I mean the whole gaggle of them live there. We lived there too right after we got married for almost 4 years. I really did enjoy it. The summers were beautiful. I don't believe it got in the 90s at all for the four years we were up there. The winters were a bit dark and gloomy at times, but I worked in public accounting, so I was business with tax season and all and didn't much come out of the office anyway. Carey went to Michigan State, so it was so much fun to see that little East Lansing town come alive on game days. Those Big Ten games were just so much fun. But I so desparately missed being in Texas and we moved back as soon as he graduated from college.

We try our best to visit there twice a year, but that doesn't always happen. The kids so enjoy themselves when we are there. Grandma and Grandpa (Carey's Dad and Step-Mom) are the best! We just have a blast with them and his little bro and step-sisters and his uncles and aunts and cousins and anyone else who happens to be there. The weather is just so great, that people hang out outside all summer long. On their porches and stuff. Can you imagine? It is so nice. And they are the super best family too. They are the kind of family that you would want to be your friends. Each of them would literally give you the shirt off their back. Seriously, I think that Carey's Uncle George actually did that one time. They just love being around each other and we just love being around them. It makes me so very sad that we, especially Carey, don't get to see them very often. BUT, we now have the webcam so that we can see them when we talk anytime we want to. The kids love it! Its great for Victoria. That way she will remember who they are between visits and not be so shy when we see them. It takes her a while to warm up to people.

So, the like ONLY perk of being this far away from Carey's family are the brown paper packages that show up on our doorstep every once in awhile. SO EXCITING!! Here is what we got in the most recent package that was sent ...

Too cute! We popped some popcorn and put in our Sonic slushies for our afternoon snack that day. What a treat!!

So ... thank you Grandma and Grandpa! Riley and Victoria just love these little snack trays!! See you in August. Can't Wait!!

So Brave

2009-05-05T05:38:00.000-07:00

It has been loose now for about 3 months. It has been driving him crazy. About 6 weeks ago, he was attempting to separate two Legos and when he couldn't do it with his fingers, he enlisted his front teeth. Not sure where he learned this from [guilt proceeds to show all over my face]. Anyway, the conversation went something like this ...

"Mommy, something good and bad happened at the same time when I was trying to pull apart two of my Legos."

This is when he showed me the fruits of his labor. Now a very loose tooth.

So, he has been tolerating it loose since then. It has been difficult for him to eat and he would wince every time I would brush his teeth or even mention the thought of trying to pull it. Since Gigi has retired from the teeth-pulling trade, Carey and I knew that it was all on us. But Riley still wasn't interested.

Then, last night he said that he wanted it out. So, I got the cold wet washcloth and started to go in, when Carey arrived and said that he would do it (YAY ... my knight in shining ... t-shirt and gym shorts). Two attempts later, "pop" it was out. I am not sure if Riley even flinched. He was so brave. I was overcome with pride.

I was also, and still am, somewhat sad. Again, another milestone that reminds me that he is growing up and will one day be a man. Sigh. I know that this is the goal, but I will continue to hold on tight to each childhood moment that I can.

Now swoops in the magic that is I fell asleep with it under my pillow and when I woke up it was gone and money is in its place. Some might refer to this process as the doings of the tooth fairy. We however have decided that we will only lie to our children about the big jolly philanthropic man that makes his appearance once a year very stealthily down the chimney. So there is no Easter Bunny or Tooth Fairy here. I know ... every party has a pooper. However, there does exist baskets filled to the brim on Easter morning and the money for teeth in the Texan Thompson's home. We just take and accept credit where it is due.

I only had a $20 and Carey was broke. This $20 represents my allowance for the week. Once it runs out, there is no more ... well unless there is some sort of an emergency and I need a Diet Dr Pepper and mozzarella sticks from Sonic REAL bad. Anyway, the $20 made its way under his pillow sometime in the middle of the night. I couldn't wait to see his face this morning when he found $20 under his pillow. I mean, that is alot of money for a little guy ... that is alot of money for me too. Did I mention that is my allowance for the week? So, once he got dressed I reminded him that there might be something under his pillow. He then lifted it up and grabbed the money and said with disappointment in his voice ...

"Only one."

Only one! Only one! That there is twenty bucks little man!! My allowance!! When I was your age, I was lucky to get a quarter. And I liked it!! Only one .. give me a break. [all this said in my head of course]

I suppose he is still under the impression that the more bills or coins, the more money it is. I could have put 20 pennies under his pillow and he would have been more excited than receiving the $20 bill ... ya know, my allowance.

So, I proceed to explain to him exactly how much $20 is and that he has a total of $37 now in his wallet to spend as he chooses. He came unglued at that point. Very excited. I am sure Daddy will be taking him to Walmart this afternoon. He wouldn't want to go with me. I would try to talk him into buying some clothes or books with that kinda cash. I know ... ever party has a pooper.

Party pooper.

Road Trip to San Diego

2009-04-30T20:38:00.000-07:00

A couple of months ago I had mentioned to my mom that it would be really great if Riley could tag along with her and my Dad on her business trip to San Diego. She then suggested that Victoria and I come along too ... OK!! If you know me, you know that all you have to say is "Go" and I will ... anywhere.

So we left last Thursday for a two day car trip and four day stay in sunny southern California. There was a bit of chaos before my parents even showed up at my house that morning. In the hub-bub of packing the car that morning, a bird flew into the garage, which mom then shewed out and it flew into the truck. They eventually got it out of the truck, but not before it left a little surprise on dad's gear shifter. Yuck. Then when they were about 10 minutes from my house, dad realized that he forgot to shut the tailgate. So they turned around and made the trip back to Aledo in search of their brand-new $35 ice chest full of a variety of liquid refreshments to please everyone. Well, they never found it. I know ... total bummer. Anywho, approximately 3 hours later we finally made it out of Tarrant county.

No road trip can begin for a member of our family without a stop at QT.

Day 2 - Finally found one of those cactus you always see in the cowboy movies.

Our first destination in San Diego was the zoo. I was expecting a bit more to it. It is probably about the size of the Fort Worth zoo, but they have some different animals and more baby animals. The double-decker bus tour was fun and the Skyfari air tram was really fun. Riley and I were a bit scared at first on the Skyfari. We had the Thelma and Louise hand-holding thing going on.

This was hilarious ... "Ok Riley and Victoria, sit by the panda
and I will take your picture."

"Scoot over a bit Victoria."

And that is as close as she would get to the giant fuzzy cute panda.

Next stop for us was the ocean ... it was so cold.

Getting our feet wet in the very icy cold Pacific Ocean.

Then a shopping trip to the Seaport Village right on the coast.

We also found a ginormous park by the water for the kids. We played there, flew kites, picked flowers, found seashells and rolled down the hills. I tell you what ... that was the easiest kite flying ever. No running. We sat on a bench and just unraveled the string. Went up easy as pie.

Then there was the constant spoiling of the kids by Pops and
Gigi ...

... donuts literally the size of your head and ...

... if you can't decide between a cookie or an ice cream cone, you get both.

Definitely NOT the same people I grew up with.

I flew back with the kids on Tuesday ... all by myself. We all did pretty good. Victoria freaked out on the plane when she realized that she could not sit in my lap. I mean totally freaked out. I could feel the other passengers' blood-pressures rising at the sound of a ballistic 2 year old's screams and we had not even taxied out to the runway yet. Fortunately, some cheese popcorn managed to calm her down before we took off. We landed at Love Field 4 hours later and Riley talked Carey's ear off about all that we did over the past 6 days.

We had a super-fun time. I told Carey that mom probably laughed for about 10 hours of the 20 hour road trip. And it got to be that silly laugh, ya know, where you just laugh because you are so tired and everything takes on a new level of silliness. Oh man, Pops and Gigi are such a blast. That was definitely the best part of the trip. Me getting time with mom and dad and the kids getting time with their Pops and Gigi. The best.

So fun. So great to get away. So missed Carey. So glad to be back.

Family Camping Trip #2 - Possum Kingdom

2009-04-11T17:18:00.000-07:00

So, this is the second camping trip we have taken together as a family (click here to read about the first). We went to Possum Kingdom State Park for two nights. We were a bit bummed when we got there to find out that we would not get to have our campfire. Totally bummed. Carey was bummed because he hauled firewood from home for this express purpose. I was bummed because this is my absolute favorite part of camping hands down. I love it. I love the warmth of it. I love the smore making. I love to stay up late with just Carey and I outside of the tent talking while the kids are asleep. So bummed. Carey and I had our little pity party about no campfire and then proceeded to try and enjoy oursleves.

We didn't have quite the drama as we did on our last camping trip together.

Although, Carey did not pack any pants, Riley was on the verge of crying at one point because he missed his toys, bed, the TV and getting to take a bath (not a fan of the shower), Victoria was a complete mess the entire time and kept eating food that she would find on the ground (I kid you not!), I only slept about 3 hours the first night because I was SO uncomfortable, and the park ranger got on our case a bit because we left our dog unattended to go fishing (apparently this is a BIG no-no).

But, we ate good (as usual), Riley loved getting to hike with Daddy, both Riley and Victoria got to go fishing for the first time, we had an awesome secluded campsite up on a hill with a fantastic view of the lake, I did absolutely nothing on Friday for about 4 hours, there was a quaint camp store there that was kinda neat - it had just about everything you would ever need crammed into about 200 square feet, and we got to eat ice cream from DQ on the way home around 10AM.

Good times. Glad to be home.

random stuff

2009-04-01T10:30:00.000-07:00

through Riley's eyes: I pulled this out of Riley's backpack this afternoon. Looks like they are talking about times of the day at school. In the morning he is eating pancakes, in the afternoon he is playing and in the evening he is in bed. He also added Carey and I. I am the one in the afternoon frame. That is me there doing what I do best I suppose ... putting away clothes. And then there is Carey there in the evening frame ... watching TV. My first thought (which probably wasn't that nice of me) - at least I am doing something useful. My second thought - I need to spend more time playing with the kids so they don't remember me as essentially the maid. But don't you just love the way little kids draw?! I just love it!!

reading: Riley is reading so well. It all clicks now. I am so proud of him. But can I just say that this English language of ours is just full of oh so many words that do not follow any sort of phonetical rule and that is just a bit frustrating.

jeans: I finally found some jeans that fit Little Miss. Now, she is tall, but most of her height is in her torso ... that is why she wears 3T shirts and dresses. So, her legs are the length of most 2 year olds. But, her baby belly is a tad on the larger size and most jeans get rid of the elastic in the waist after size 24 months (it starts young girls). So, the hunt for jeans that are not too long but will fit a larger than average belly was a bit difficult. Target came to my rescue. Found two that work and one can be converted to capris ... yay. And normally I would be totally against the low rise for toddlers, but this style allows for her baby belly to be free in its natural state. So, I am ok with it.

straight hair: I am currently experimenting with wearing my hair straight. The only draw back is that it takes sooooo long to fix it that way. I am used to the wash and go look that I have been doing now for, oh I don't know, like 30 something years. This process of standing in front of the mirror for 20 minutes and fixing my hair is no fun. But, I really like how it looks and so does Carey. But if you ask Victoria, she "no like."

sahm: I love being a stay-at-home mom. It totally rocks! I have done the other, whether part-time or full-time, and let me just say that I find being a SAHM is so much more relaxing and less stressful. When I was working outside the home, I had very debilitating stomach pains. Haven't had those since I quit working. It is amazing how our bodies respond to stress and guilt, because let me tell you, I had it in spades. Even though the day to day of it all can feel a bit like the movie Groundhog Day (ya know, the same thing over and over again, not much deviation from the norm) I so enjoy moments like these ...

What you can't see here is that I too have on a pair of goggles
as well.

Little Miss is 2

2009-03-23T08:28:00.000-07:00

Little Miss Victoria Jean is two years old!! We celebrated with a party over at Pops and Gigi's house with just the immediate family. It was a cluster celebration with my little bro's fiancee's birthday and Pops and Gigi's anniversary, but don't get me wrong, Victoria was definitely at the center of it all.

Playing with the bubble machine from Uncle Corey and soon to be Aunt Katie.

Very carefully opening each and every present.

Time for the blessing.

Some cookie with Pops. He is always good for it.

C'mon Riley, smile normal.

I believe she was all smiled out by this point.

At age two, Victoria is full of joy and life. She has a bit of drama throughout her day, but springs back from most things fairly quickly. She is blatantly defiant and does it most times with a bit of a grin, but responds well to a firm word from Mommy or Daddy. She knows the rules of the house, but still chooses to test them every so often. So different than Riley in that respect. She is definitely my shadow and mimics almost everything I do. One of her favorite things to do it pretend to put on make-up while I am putting on mine. She also pretends to put lotion on and put mousse in her hair. We went for her two year check-up (only one shot this time - YAY!, but she also has a sinus infection - BOO!), and she is in the 80% on height and 90% on weight. I new she was bigger than most two year old's because she has outgrown most of her 24 month and 2T clothes and because it absolutely kills me to hold her longer than about two minutes, but wow ... she's a big girl!

Her little voice at times sounds so much like Riley that I sometimes do a double take. I think that I can for the most part translate her little toddler-speak:

"shyer" - pacifier
"na-a" - banana
"byee" - Riley
"daee" - Daddy
"kay-i" - Caroline (this is a new one that just started this week, took me forever to figure it out)
"mock" - milk
"doa" - Dora
"coo-ee pees" - cookie please
"moe" - remote control
"meer" - come here
"peh-pain" - airplane
"choo-tray" - choo-choo train
"bap-ty" - bath time
"shuh-sheem" - ice cream
"bah-er" - water

I love that she says bye-bye to EVERYTHING - the cold weather when we get in the car "bye-bye code", the bathtub, the dog everytime we leave the house, her crib when she gets up from her nap, the TV, the couch, my bathroom ... kinda weird, but totally cute. Then there is the "tank you belcom" which is thank you and your welcome. She says this as one fluid word everytime she is supposed to just say thank you. She still plays with Riley's toys (tractors, cars and legos) but I did see her playing with her dolls this past week. Then later that day I caught her like this:

So, at age two here are some of Victoria's likes and dislikes:

Likes: Whatever Riley likes, bananas, shoes, star dolly, Dora, singing, dancing with Mommy and Riley, going bye-bye, brushing her teeth, picking out her own clothes - especially the old t-shirts that have the stains on them and are not allowed to be worn outside the house, books, putting anything in her stroller and pushing it around the house, oreos, her blanket and pillow, talking to Grandma and Grandpa on the webcam, trucks, riding in the buggy at Albertsons that looks like a car, grilled cheese sandwhiches, Gigi, pulling Riley's hair (have no idea where she learned ths from), and giving kisses.

Dislikes: Mommy fixing her hair, almost anything that is not her idea, Riley's door shut, getting her diaper changed, dinner, Daddy getting her out of her crib, vegetables, Riley being at school all day (me too), shopping, and wearing socks.

Dearest Victoria,

I am just so absolutely in love with you. You are so much fun to be around. I so enjoy our days together. You make me smile and laugh often. You definitely keep me on my toes. You are always so chatty when it is just you and me. I love that. Never stop doing that. You have a sweet yet sassy personality. You are beautiful. You are loving. You are decisive. You do not waiver. You are not easily persuaded. God gave you all the qualities for a reason. My prayer is that this will create in you a boldness and courage to share your faith and God's love to those around you and to be in this world and not of it. I hope you will learn this next year to trust me and Daddy, more. I'm telling you darlin', we know what is good for you ... especially when it comes to food.

Love,
Mommy

P.S. - Just a heads-up sweetheart ... I do believe that the pacifier will be making it's exit in the next month or so. It is time.

With all her new toys, here she is at the end of her big birthday
playing with a old van we got Riley years ago and some
Star Wars action figures. Whatever.

Spring Break

2009-03-21T12:26:00.000-07:00

Maybe one day we will be that family that sets off to fabulous destinations on Spring Break. But in the meantime, this Spring Break will probably be a typical Spring Break for the Thompsons.

Monday - Sleep late. Run errands. Reward kids with a Slurpee from 7-11 for being good while running errands. Pull weeds in the front and back yard for 2 hours. Everyone, including Mommy goes to bed at 8PM.

Tuesday - Sleep late. Can't hardly move from weed-pulling fun that was had yesterday. Keep pajamas on all morning while playing with kids and trying not to move too much. Get new church shoes for Riley and groceries from Walmart. Again, a banner day.

Wednesday - Sleep not-so-late. Go to friend's house to play all morning. Have a blast! Come home and nap. Spot clean carpets that evening.

Thursday - Sleep late. Eat breakfast around 10AM. Go to park and play around 11AM. Grab Sonic and return to the park for more playing. Come home and collapse on the couch or in the crib, depending on who you are. Go get ice cream that night for 10 great jobs in the "Great Job Can"- whoo-hoo!

Friday - Sleep late, again. Watch tons of Dora and Diego all morning with the kids on the couch. Spend most of the late afternoon and evening on a 5 hour shopping trip to find a dress to wear to my bro's wedding next weekend. Find two possibilities, buy them both, try them on for Carey and the kids when I get home almost after dark and am told that they just won't do. Have Riley take a picture of me in the two dresses. Totally agree with the hubby on this one. Put kids to bed early so that hubby and I could watch the series finale of Battlestar Galatica (teary-eyed, sniff, sniff).

So, how will I top this Spring Break next year? Well, as you can see, it can only go up from here.

Went to the park today ...

2009-03-19T12:18:00.000-07:00

... and had an absolute blast!

Yes, I cut her bangs

2009-03-05T11:03:00.000-08:00

Little girl hair ... definitely a learning process. The sides are too short and the middle is too long. They really need to be evened out a bit, but I am scared that I will make it worse. So, I will just leave as is and try again in about a month.

I just can't bring myself to go pay someone $10 to cut her bangs and trim the back. She doesn't have that much hair ... yet. I mean, I opened and closed the scissors maybe 7 or 8 times last night. That comes out to a little over $1 for each snip.

Nope, not gonna do it. Not yet. I would like to wait until it requires more than 7 or 8 snips to cut her hair ... possibly 20 or so. Then we will pay for the haircut.

Besides, I still have burned into my brain Riley's first trip to a no-kidding real live "haircut store" (that is what he calls it). He just turned two. The stylists had absolutely no patience. There was a lot of crying. There was some blood too. Not fun. I do believe that either Daddy or Pops took Riley to get his haircut for the next 3 years. Seriously. I was not going to go through that again.

Give me some time, Victoria. I will figure out how to cut and style your hair.

If not, I am sure Gigi will come to your rescue and just take you in herself.

Tax Return Time

2009-03-04T09:53:00.000-08:00

Ok all of you do-it-yourselfers out there. I have just the thing for you to use to prepare and file your tax return. It is so easy to use and totally FREE.

www.taxact.com

It gives you all these easy questions to answer and then populates and calculates your return for you. You have to deal with the annoying question of do you want to upgrade your return now for only $9.99 and get the super deluxe service. Just ignore this, click no and move on. A necessary evil I suppose for getting to use it for free. Then when you are done, just e-file the baby and you will get your refund (hopefully you are getting a refund) in only 2 short weeks. SWEET!!

If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to email me. I don't mind at all. It will help me exercise that CPA muscle in me and make me feel more useful.

Looky looky!

2009-03-01T18:10:00.000-08:00

Home Improvement Project #2 - Install French Doors for the Office

Estimated cost - $350
Estimated time to complete - 5 or 6 hours
Demolition - Some
Degree of difficulty (1-10) - about a 6, only because hanging doors is a bit of an art and we have some fitting issues

So, our tax refund was deposited into our checking account on Friday. Saturday morning we are at Lowes buying our brand new french doors. The big questions ... (1) glass or no glass, (2) pre-hung or make the jams, and (3) cut the doors to fit the opening or cut the opening to fit the doors.

We went with the pre-hung french doors with the glass and we did a little cutting on the doors and the opening.

So, approximately 10 hours and $390 later, we have the finished project.

Pretty snazzy! And Carey did an amazing job of finishing it off. They really look like they came with the house. But, don't look to closely at them when you come over ... the paint job is lacking a bit. We ran out of paint, so I will attempt to do some touch-ups this next week to pretty them up. But some areas are a bit beyond touch-ups. The wood bubbled up some in a couple of places. Not sure what happened. We will have to try to fix those areas another way. Also, the doors are a bit snug against each other. This was not planned, but after some thought, I would prefer it to be a bit difficult to open. That way, the little ones cannot open the door on their own. A child-proofing door hanging if you will. So, if Carey is working in the office, he won't have little visitors constantly coming in and out.

So, five years after telling Carey that I wanted french doors on the office (of course five years ago it was the office of our dream home in Granbury, which we sold after living there for only 14 months so that Carey could go to law school ... don't get me started on that) I FINALLY got them. Yay!!

And BTW, Home Improvement Project #1 was the deck ... which will be completed hopefully in the next couple of weekends. Can't wait for that!!!

Nothing Much Goin' on Here

2009-02-23T12:33:00.000-08:00

We have been sick with the flu (or as Riley calls it, the "flutes"). I think that we are all in the clear, except that Carey and I are dealing with a bit of the aftermath still. Urgh.

Besides that I have nothing to report. Absolutely nothing is going on 'round here.

Not one thing.

Nada.

Zip.

Zilch.

Nothing.

So, here are some pictures of the kids, because well, they are just so darn cute.

Victoria reorganizing the lower shelf of the fridge door.
What can I say ... it is in her genes.

I can only assume that Riley instructed Victoria on the
proper way to clean your ice cream bowl.

I guess Victoria had enough of the dirty dishes one day
last week when I was sick. She took it upon herself to take
care of them. Bless you child.

Cheesy-cheeseness.

A six-year old's room.

Yes, there is a difference between a five-year old's room and a six year old's room. Notice that the walls are blue ("Red is so NOT my favorite color anymore"), the comforter is void of any cute transportation equipment and there are knobs on the furniture as opposed to the little train pulls that were just so adorable and a must-have 3 short years ago.

Ho-hum.

However, we have seen little difference between an actual five year old and a six year old. As you can see from the above picture, he is still just a little ham that is as silly as ever.

He is so much fun! They both are!

I Am So Giddy!

2009-02-16T11:14:00.000-08:00

Free Preview of FOX News on Dish Network!!! Whoo-Hoo!!!!

I am so giddy! I can't take my eyes off of it! I have been so news deprived ever since we moved into our new house and was not able to hear the news from the perspective that I will only hear it from ... FOX.

I have no idea how long the free preview lasts, but I will not dwell on that now. Now is the time to enjoy.

I watched Huckabee last night. Did you know that he has his own show?! Totally awesomeness! I will say it again as I have been saying it all along ... that man is one of the few in politics that has original thought and can communicate it with ease. I am one of his biggest fans! Last night's show made me laugh (his acronym for the stimulus plan was hilarious), made me cry (Steven Curtis Chapman was on), made me think ... that's good stuff man.

Ok, enough blogging, back to watching FOX News.

He SO Should Have Won

2009-02-14T17:05:00.000-08:00

So, the note home read something like make a Valentine box, turn it in by Wednesday, we will pass out Valentine's that the kids make and there will be a contest for the best box.

What?! A contest. Ok, we are so there!!

So my creative wheels started turning ... very slowly. I am so not creative. Totally left-brained here. The right side of my brain doesn't work too often. That is probably why my scrapbooks look the way they do. Very orderly, very similar from page to page, not a whole lot of embellishments - it stresses me out. Anyway, after a few days of trying to come up with something, I enlisted a bit of help.

First I went to my right-brained counterpart ... Carey. He was a big help, let me tell you.

"Just get a shoe box and cut a hole in it."

That's it. Did I mention that he is into short-cuts too?

So Lame. How is that gonna win some contest?

So then I enlisted my trusty Internet. Typed in "Valentine Box Ideas" and found a shoe box that had been transformed into a Lion. So cute! Perfect for my animal lovin' guy!

But, I didn't want to totally steal the idea. So we made a monkey instead.

I mean how cute is that?! Totally fits his personality. He is even making the monkey sounds in the first picture.

He SO should have won.

I mean, I saw the other boxes. Very cute, very well done, but none compared to a shoe box converted into a jungle animal adorned with hearts. Plus, I cut out all those parts and painted the box in between cleaning up after Little Miss who had a stomach bug ... with a high fever ... for three days.

The big winner ... a box covered in a certain superhero paper (I will leave out the details to protect the young man). Hello. People. Come on. I guess five year olds just can't see creative genius when it is staring them right in the face with a cute monkey Valentine-like grin.

The girl box winner was covered in High School Musical. I dare not knock that, because I am a HUGE High School Musical fan and that is probably how I would have covered my box. Kudos to you little Kindergarten girl who has impeccable taste.

Fortunately, Riley was oblivious to the whole contest thing. He was out of school sick on Friday morning, so he wasn't even there for the judging and subsequent announcing of the winners. The only reason I knew was because one of the other kids in his class was giving me the scoop on it all during the Valentine Party that afternoon. He was very disappointed that he didn't win. I saw his box. Sorry bud, but you didn't stand a chance.

So, the lesson. Let Riley pick out how he wants to cover his box because only a 5 year old can predict what other five year olds will find cool.

And I can't wait until Tuesday when HSM3 comes out on video. So cool! I haven't seen it yet. I could never convince anyone to go with me to the theater and see it, which I have no idea why. I just know it will be great!

You will be the Flower Girl ... and you will like it!

2009-02-10T09:39:00.000-08:00

So, little bro is getting married this summer and little Miss is going to be the flower girl. This past Saturday, we met Gigi and LB's fiancee K at David's Bridal to try on some dresses.

As you can tell from this picture, she wasn't as excited
about this outing as much as we were.

"Only two dresses Baby Girl. Let's try on just two. Then we will go get a snack. Some fruit snacks, chocolate, a cookie, chips ... anything you want."

She reluctantly put it on ... meaning I put it on over her head all the while she is screaming bloody-murder and I am trying to keep her from ripping the dress to shreds. You would be amazed at the strength that can be packed in to a girl of only 30 pounds and 35 inches! As we attempted to walk out of the dressing room, she held on to me for dear life and would not let go. She frowned in utter disapproval of the whole process. The only time she even perked up was when I said "Let's go take this off."

Run, run to the dressing room.

Then the other dress. All over again.

It didn't really bother me at all. I laughed the whole time ... which probably aggravated Little Miss even more. Oh well. You pick your battles and this was one I picked to win!

So, we decided on dress number 1 and then we put it on again and added the yellow sash and Gigi covertly placed a ribbon comb in her hair.

Gigi wasn't fast enough with the camera to catch this
one on camera, but take a look at that hair.

Mine not hers.

I was having such a good hair day. Those are few and far between lately since I am in the process of growing it out a bit. Still recovering from the $45 haircut that only took 10 minutes to whack off all my curly curls to only be left with a couple of inches of wavy non-styleable ick. Saginaw friends - never, never get your hair cut at the salon next door to Great Clips on Blue Mound road. In fact, one month later (once my hair had a chance to lay down and grow a bit) I went to that Great Clips and only paid $8 (had a coupon) and they fixed it for me. "Ahhhh, much better" were my exact words that day. Bless that hair cuttin' lady there.

Anyway, back to the dress. Loved the dress with the straps because Little Miss inherited hubby's beautiful dark skin color and not the Lemons (or rather Garner) pasty whiteness. So, by August, she should be a beautiful golden brown. This happens even with layers and layers of sunscreen.

Must be nice.

But, the white straps will look so great with her skin color.

So, Riley will be walking with Victoria down the isle wearing a tux. Carey will also be wearing a tux as he ushers. So, the question I know is on everyone's mind, at least it has been on mine ... What will Kim wear?

I have no earthly idea. I have approximately 171 days ... well really only 166 if you take into account travel time to Colorado ... to find a dress and shoes and probably a purse too. Oh and earrings.

But, on more pressing matters ... I only have approximately 46 days to find something for both of us to wear to older bro's wedding next month! Those crazy-in-love kids have moved the date up a bit and we are on the clock to find a dress and shoes for Little Miss and a dress and shoes and accessories for me.

And no all you boys out there ... I cannot wear the same thing to both weddings. I was raised better than that.

Bad Mommy

2009-02-05T07:43:00.001-08:00

There are a few things that I need or rather want to get done this morning. So, Victoria has spent her morning eating cereal bars (only 2), drinking juice and watching a bit of TV (her favorite is Cars). I feel like a Bad Mommy today, but we have been go, go, go all week and I need a day to catch up on things. But isn't this picture just so cute with her little belly sticky out and just chillin' on the couch?! I think that she has taken a few pointers on this from her Daddy.

Yeah, yeah, I know .. pacifier. Maybe next week.

Love It to Pieces

2009-02-02T07:00:00.000-08:00

LOVE LOVE. Here are some things that I just love to pieces:

1. My No. 7 Boots make-up from Target

There are some things in life that you need to feel free to splurge on. One of those things is make-up. But really, this make-up isn't too expensive. I stocked up on it a few years ago and spent only $100 for everything. Not too bad. Anywho, it is super easy to pick out your color ... either fair, medium or dark. I am obviously fair. It feels good on. Not too cakey ... just light but good coverage. Just real nice stuff. Love it to pieces.

2. My van

I really wish I could be like the cool people and not drive a mini-van but one of those cool SUV type vehicles. But I am in my thirties now. Cool is not on my radar ... practicality is. So I drive a 2006 Pontiac van-a-something.

How great is it to push a button and the door opens ready for loading of my peeps and stuff ... SO GREAT.

How great is it to be able to load one of those infant bucket car seats with ease while standing on my own two feet ... SO GREAT.

How great is it to get in the backseat without climbing over seats and disrupting the car seat-dom that is my backseat ... SO GREAT.

It has the DVD player built in, which most vehicles have, that is operating most of the time for the little Miss that just cannot stand being strapped in for more than 2 minutes.

And, just think ... it will all be paid for in just 3 and a half more years ... sigh. Anyway, love it to pieces.

3. My wipes warmer

But not because I warm the store-bought wipes. Little Miss is a bit sensitive when it comes to her skin (a curse, I mean trait she inherited from me). I came to that realization at her one month check-up when her doctor told me that she had a diaper rash and I replied ...

"You mean that newborn bottoms aren't supposed to be red like that?"

Sigh ... such an idiot.

Anywho, from that point forward, no store bought wipe would touch her tushy on a regular basis, sensitive or regular. It would be only wet washcloths ... warmed to a comfortable temperature in the wipes warmer. Some people add a little baby soap and baby oil. I just add water to the folded in half washcloths and use them that way. Too nervous to add anything to them ... it might cause another rash. I do use the store-bought for out and about, but we are not out too long for the most part, so they get used few and far between. Plus, her little bummer ALWAYS at ALL times has a protective layer of the best diaper cream in the world on it.

Which brings me to my next item ...

4. Triple Paste diaper cream

One of my GFs introduced me to this product after little Miss had come down with another wonderfully blistering diaper rash. It is very expensive and I make a special trip to CVS for it. But the $20 a month investment in a tub of it keeps her sweet little precious fanny rash free at all times. Since I have started using it about 6 months ago ... no rashes (well except for this past week while she has been antibiotics).

And, it is just a good idea to always have diaper cream on our babies' fannies. I don't feel so bad now for my ridiculous comment about her bummer that I made when she was 1 month old to the dreamy Doc Jones (always have had a crush on the pediatrician, even when he was my doc), because now I get kudos when I take her in for her check-ups.

"Love to see parents that keep diaper cream on their kids. Wish more would do that."

Score one for The Mom! Go Kim. Go Kim. It is nice to be ahead of the class for once.

I digress. Love Triple Paste to pieces.

5. Diet Dr Pepper

All the taste of Dr. Pepper, but without the calories. Love it to pieces.

6. My Summer video baby monitor

Got this as a gift from Gigi and Pops right before little Miss was born. The camera hangs above her bed and I can see and hear all the goings on in her crib. Made the transition to crib in room at 3 months old sooooo much easier. A bit of an investment, but so worth it. Love it to pieces.

7. Kohl's

Got my Kohl's card ... get the coupons. Shop for everyone and don't pay as much. The selection is a bit overwhelming, but if I organize my list and only shop for the items we need, then it tames it down a bit. Love the clearance racks the best. Mom always taught me to shop there FIRST! Love it to pieces.

Not as much as Mervyn's, but we just won't go there today ... ok.

8. The Gosselins and the Duggars

I don't miss an episode of Jon and Kate Plus Eight or 17 Kids and Counting. Why? First, because they are fellow believers. I will always support my fellow believers who have an opportunity to share Christ to the world by any means that the Lord gives them. Second, they are just so fascinating. I never pretend to be in their shoes. I wouldn't dare. I cannot imagine. I do enjoy their families and their pursuit to raise their children in Christian homes in our current perverse and depraved world. They have strong convictions, which is so refreshing, and such order to their lives admist all the chaos. Besides, it is just fun to watch. Love them to pieces.

9. My DVR

Thank you thank you very smart nerdy computer TV inventive people. This is the only way I would get to watch any TV at all. Now, I am not a huge TV watcher. Carey and I only have a handful of shows we watch. The two mentioned previous (however, for the record, Carey does not under any circumstance watch those two shows), The Unit, Army Wives (Carey doesn't watch this one either), House, NCIS, Chuck, Sarah Connor Chronicles, Heroes, Smallville, Monk, Psych, Battlestar Galactica, Burn Notice ... I think that is it. Seems like alot, but the seasons are so scattered, that we might watch 3 or 4 of these a week. Not too much wasted time.

But even less wasted time with the DVR. No commercials, can pause and rewind with ease, can watch anytime ... later that evening, the next morning, the middle of the night. Plus it will hold all the Veggie Tales, Star Wars Clone Wars and Diego cartoons that you want. Love it to pieces.

Oh, and Lost.

And Law & Order: Criminal Intent, too.

10. My fuzzy slippers

I don't like to wear shoes, but I am not a fan of bare feet (except for in the summer of course). So, I wear my $6 fuzzy slippers from Wal-mart at all times while at home and even in the car if I know that I will not be getting out (like when I take Riley to and from school or for the occasional Sonic run with Victoria). Right now they are green, because my other ones died during December. I replaced with a festive color. They typically last about 4 months and then fall apart due to multiple washes in the washing machine. Love them to pieces.

Little Man is 6 ... WOW!

2009-01-27T10:07:00.000-08:00

I remember it like it was yesterday ...

It was a March evening 2002. I had just worked a 10 hour day at the office (it was tax season and all) and Carey had not worked at all (it was Spring Break and all). In fact, I believe he had spent the majority of the day building the "Ultimate Theme Park of the World" on Roller Coaster Tycon on the computer. So there we were, 25 and 24, been married for almost 5 years and contemplating having a baby. I had just had some tests done for a heart issue that turned out to be nothing big (Thank You Lord!) and we were discussing the fact that we weren't gettin' younger and we might want to start this process while we are still young and everything is in good working order. The weirdest thing. We knew we wanted to have kids, but we really never discussed when. Weird because I am the type that will plan out everything to the smallest detail ... but this just didn't register on my radar. So we both decided, let's go ahead. Why not? Should be fun.

A little less than a year later we were holding our first born.

Here is his birth story:

We were so very anxious for you to come. And not just because I was sick of being pregnant. We just couldn't wait to meet you. I had gone to work the week before dilated at 2 (which I suppose is no big deal) and your head wasn't even engaged yet. But as the week went on, I was getting more and more tired and getting less and less sleep. By Friday, I was totally exhausted and managed to only work for 2 hours that day. Came straight home, watched an episode of Baby Story on TLC and went to sleep. Got an hour or so nap and then maybe 4 hours of sleep that night.

Saturday night, I only slept about 3 hours. I was just uneasy and couldn't relax. When Daddy woke-up on Sunday morning, we decided to skip church and go walking. It was a bit cold outside, so we went to Babies R Us. That is when my contractions started. Not painful. Just uncomfortable enough that I had to stop walking for each one. We went home and Pops and Gigi came over and spent the afternoon with us thinking that this was "it." I contracted for 6 more hours and then ... they just stopped. Meanwhile, Daddy is making me cup after cup of raspberry leaf tea, hoping that would speed things along. Pops and Gigi left and we went to be around 10PM. I was totally exhausted and went right to sleep (which was very unusual for me).

Then, around midnight, I woke-up from a dream were I was in intense, excruciating pain and didn't know what it was. I kinda opened my eyes and then fell back to sleep. Sure enough, it happened again.

OH MY STARS!! WHAT THE HECK IS THAT??!!

It wasn't a dream. I was having the real-life, gonna-have-a-baby, this-hurts-so-bad contractions. Wow! Gigi said that I would know that they were the real contractions when I felt them. Boy, she wasn't kidding. They were about 10 minutes apart and lasted 30-45 seconds. I slept some between them for the first few, and then ... I was wide awake.

I woke-up Daddy around 1AM and had him help me keep track of them. By 2AM, they were 6-7 minutes apart and about 45-60 seconds long. We called the hospital.

"Wait until they are 5 minutes apart. In the meantime, take a warm bath and try to relax."

Relax? Has she ever had a baby?

I sent Daddy to the living room couch to get some sleep and I continued to have contraction after contraction. Took the nurse's advise.

I took a bath. No help.

I tried to relax. Not possible.

So, I walked around our bedroom and bared down on the foot of our bed with each contraction. By 4:30AM they were still 6-7 minutes apart, but I was getting so very tired after almost 5 hours of this. I woke Daddy up and told him to take me to the hospital ... NOW! Grabbed our bag, jumped in the car and we were off.

While I was contracting on the way to the hospital, we were still discussing what your name would be if you were a girl. Never came up with one that we both loved. We were also discussing the fact that they might send us back home. That would be a huge bummer.

When we got there, I was only dilated to a 3, but I was contracting every 5 minutes. They told me to walk around the hospital for an hour and they would recheck me. We went ahead and called Pops and Gigi. Daddy walked through the halls with me until Gigi got there. She took over for Daddy and helped me through my contractions. Gigi was much better than Daddy at it. She reminded me to find my focal point and to not hold my breath. And she didn't touch me during the contraction. That is the last hing I wanted was to be touched while contracting.

After an hour, I was still a 3, but they admitted us anyway. I immediately instructed the nurse to send the anesthesiologist ASAP. This was at 7AM. I wish I could tell you that your Mommy went all natural, but I hadn't slept well in days, I had already endured 7 hours of the pain, it hurt so terribly bad and I just wanted some relief. To get some rest before the real labor began.

Over the course of the next three hours, my contractions grew in intensity (which I didn't think was possible) and became closer together. They were 60 seconds apart and 60 seconds long. My focal point was a Dr. Pepper can on a shelf in the room. I tuned everyone out and just focused on getting through the pain. FINALLY at 10AM, after 10 hours, I received the epidural

... and all was right with the world again. Relaxation.

By 2PM, I was only dilated to 5 and you were still not descending. Still hadn't seen my doctor yet. Kinda weird. Guess that is how they roll here. Anywho, they decided to break my water. When that happened, the monitor that was on my belly lost your heart beat for a moment. So, the nurse decided to put an internal monitor on you. Right on top of your head. In the course of doing this, they discovered that you were not head down, but face out. The nurse could feel your little nose. So, they tilted my bed back in hopes that you would come back up towards the top and then descend back down in a head down presentation. Still no doctor.

After an hour of laying upside down on a tilted hospital bed, they moved us back horizontal. Oh, and the epidural wore off during this hour. Took 30 very long minutes to get that fella back to put more drugs in. Those contractions were still 60 seconds apart and 60 seconds long ... oh the agony of it all.

When they checked me again and tried to put the internal monitor on you, this time they didn't find a nose ... they found a mouth! You were sucking on the nurse's finger. Kinda weird?! Well, then everyone wanted to feel and nurses were running this way and that, raising quite a ruckus.

Finally, a doctor walked in the room around 4PM. But not my doctor. He took a turn feeling your face, looked at the chart and told the nurse she needed to call Dr. Storts right then.

"Why?" she asked.

"Because that is her doctor." he responded.

Then nurse stupid looked at me and asked "Dr. Storts is your doctor?"

"YES" I replied.

"You didn't tell me that" nurse stupid said.

"You didn't ask." Silly of me to think that preregistering, going on the tour and showing up at that particular small hospital while in labor would make the nurse think that maybe I had some maternity care and actually had a doctor. I believe she thought I was some vagrant off the street that just wandered in to have a baby. Urgh. Anyway, sorry sweetheart. Just had to get all that drama in. Nurse Stupid got in big-o trouble from Dr. Storts. He had been up at the hospital 4 times that day and no one told him I was in labor.

So, once the doc showed up, he evaluated the situation and told Daddy and I that the safest course of action was to delivery you via c-section. I was progressing so very slowly and you were presenting face first. The doctor said that this would be the only way to deliver you and the both of us survive. Eeek! Kinda scary. The Lord definitely had us planned in the right century.

So very relieved and excited, they rolled us into the OR around 5:30PM and within just minutes, you were born. We chose to not find out if you were a girl or boy. So it was a surprise when the doctor said "It's a boy." Daddy looked at me and said "We have a boy" in such a loving and very content voice. They showed you to us and then whisked you off to weigh you, wipe you off, take your vitals and then give you to Daddy. I couldn't hold you yet, so I just looked at you for about 10 minutes before you and Daddy went to the nursery.

We all three were able to go into recovery at the same time. I was able to hold you and I introduced you to Pops, Gigi, Kevin and Corey.

"This is Riley Garner Thompson. He's a boy."

I held you for just a little bit, maybe 5 more minutes. Because I was so very tired, I gave you to Daddy and fell asleep. You slept too. It had been a very busy 18 hours for the both of us.

And this is how you have grown:

First birthday. Very into Elmo and Pooh Bear.

Second Birthday. All about Thomas the Train.

Third Birthday. Snoopy was his favorite.

Fourth Birthday. Star Wars was all his craze.

Fifth Birthday. Still lovin' that timeless Star Wars.

So, here we are six years later. It is just so hard to imagine life without the Riley-guy. He is a joy and delight. He has the biggest heart and the sweetest spirit. He loves everyone. He is such s good boy. Always has been. There were no terrible twos or threes to fours. He has always been an obedient little boy ... for the most part. He has the best little personality. Comes up with the most off the wall little sayings or "Riley-isms."

At school with his Happy Birthday Crown that he got to
wear all day. And still lovin' the Star Wars.

Here he is enjoying me and Daddy and Victoria
singing to him. Just full of joy!!

At age 6 here are his likes and dislikes:

LIKES:

Going to school, his sister, reading books, strawberries, Legos, playing anywhere and with anything, Go Diego Go, animals, talking to Grandpa and Grandma on the webcam, swimming, singing, playing Indiana Jones Legos and Star Wars Legos on the Wii, blue, pancakes, those chewy fruit snack that are technically candy but that kids think are healthy because they have the word "fruit" in their title (urgh), Sonic, doing anything with just him and Daddy, nacho cheese doritos (who doesn't?!), playing board games, playing with his cousins in Michigan, going to Pops and Gigis house, Pops and Gigi coming to his house, being picked up from school, making a happy plate so that he can get dessert, jumping on the couch, having his picture taken, and PBJ sandwiches.

DISLIKES:

Running errands, tuna, wearing shoes, taking medicine, going to bed "It is boring," Victoria playing with his Legos, casseroles, getting dressed, going to the doctor, and crust on bread.

Riley,

You are such a precious sweet little boy. You have the biggest heart and the best attitude. You love others and are so considerate of others too. And you love to make people laugh. You are always asking questions about what words mean, about God, about what people do and why. You have such a thirst for knowledge. Our prayer is that you will always keep these wonderful personality traits that God has given you and never stop asking your questions. We pray that God will give us the wisdom we need to raise you to become a Man that loves God and love others. We can already see this in you at age 6. It excites us to no end! Keep your head high, treat others with love and respect and know that we will always love you and answer any question you have without hesitation. You bring such joy to our lives! Our first born. Our favorite little man. Our gift from God on High. And our future friend and brother in Christ.

Love,
Mommy and Daddy

Riley's Birthday Celebration

2009-01-24T11:34:00.001-08:00

For Riley's 6th birthday, we decided to go to the Great Wolf Lodge in Grapevine. TONS OF FUN!! We got there around 1PM on Friday. Even though 3 out of 4 of us were on antibiotics and I was so very tired all morning from still being somewhat sick, we decided to go for it anyway. So glad we did! Yes, Riley played a bit of hooky from school on Friday. But technically, he hadn't been on his antibiotic for 24 hours yet, so he was still contagious Friday AM. So, I believe that makes it ok. Anywho, we were able to check-in to our room immediately and then off to the indoor waterpark.

Comin' down the slide ...

... and into the water!

Can't imagine how we get so sick 'round here.

Pure Joy!

Love this picture of Victoria and Daddy.

It took ALOT of convincing from Daddy to get Riley to go on the first tube slide. But after it was over ... there was no stopping him! He went on them over and over and over again. Because we were there during the school day, it was pretty sparce. We walked right up and got on every ride.

After a few hours of water fun, we were off to dinner at the Rainforrest Cafe. Riley and Victoria are crazy about animals, so this place was right up their alley. They just loved it when the animals would make noises and start going crazy.

Then party-time back in our room.

Helping his sister put together her un-birthday present.

We had a blast just the four of us together. We laughed because we found ourselves watching TV and putting together Legos in the hotel room last night ... something we can just as easily do at home.

Perhaps when Victoria is a bit older we will go back. She was a bit unsure of it all. Not much for her to do ... yet. She was warming up to it all by the time we got ready to go this afternoon ... go figure. But the birthday boy had an absolute blast!

He's Nothing Like Me ... And That Is a Good Thing

2009-01-22T17:52:00.000-08:00

This is what I discovered when I opened the dryer this evening:

Just at first glance, I would say that there are four different sorting categories in that there load of laundry.

A little background on the day:

So, at 8AM this morning, I get an email from God. Well, it isn't really from God, but it did provide the answer to a question that I didn't even know that I had.

As you know from my previous posts this month, we have been a sick bunch 'round here. Started with Riley getting a cold two weeks ago. Followed by Victoria a week later. Then me two days later. Sore throat, runny nose, body aches, head ache, etc. Your run-of-the-mill cold ... or so I thought.

Then Riley got this rash everywhere ... and I mean everywhere. And this horrible looking sore on his precious little nose. Then my sore throat was just not going away. I told Carey that I wish this darn cold would just run its course and be over. Miss Victoria's appetite still had not returned and she was not drinking like she usually does.

Anyone seeing the probably diagnosis here? Sore throat, rash, loss of appetite, headache. Well, I didn't.

I consider myself a fairly intelligent person ... or at least a good study. I excelled in grade school and college. Managed to do well in my 10 year career as a CPA. Climbed the CPA ladder quite nicely. I retain most information that manages to squeeze its way into my already packed brain. Any wisdom or insight I possess I totally recognize comes from God. I know this because I pray for it. And He delivers. But on this occasion, I guess I just wasn't gettin' it. So, He sent me an email.

Well, M sent me an email. M is mom of Riley's best bud at school. We have been emailing back and forth this past month regarding all things PTA carnival. This particular email had a variety of things involving sing-ups and time frames and blah-blahs. She also filled me in on what they were currently experiencing at their home.

Strep.

Then the Lord flipped on the light switch. (Hallelujah chorus begins to play in the background as I stand at my computer reading the email). Of course ... we all have strep.

Within the hour, literally, I am at the doctor's office getting my positive strep test result. Two hours later, the kids and I are at their doctor's office getting their positive strep test results. And by 2PM we are all being treated with the lovely amoxicillin.

So my prayer of thanksgiving to God went something like this:

Dear Lord,

Thanks for the email.
Thank you for amoxicillin.

Amen.

Eventually I will get to the laundry picture at the beginning of the post. Just hang in there with me.

So, my 30 something year old, childless, Harvard Medical School graduate doctor tells me the number one thing I need to do in order to treat strep, besides take the drugs, is rest. Rest? Sure, bring it on. When does the nanny, cook and maid show up. Can you write me a prescription for some of those? This is after she asked me if I was able to function daily or had I just been in bed all day.

In bed all day ... in that split second before I answered her question, I savored the thought of it. Then the scene in my head went all wavy and a flashback appeared. It was 1BC (one year before children) and I was in my mid 20s. I was sick and in bed ... all day. I did nothing. I prepared no meals. I cleaned up no messes. I was not concerned for the needs or desires or wants of anyone except for myself. Carey? He's a big boy. He can take care of himself. Leave me alone. I am sick. I will come out of my room when I feel better.

Back to reality.

"No, Dr. Jones I haven't been doing much. Just taking care of two kids as best as I can."

Of which I am so honored to do. Like I tell Carey, we can sleep, watch TV and rest all we want when they are in college. Now is not the time for wimps. Now is the time to raise children that will grow to be decent human beings and be able to contribute to this world by being messenger of God's Love.

Anyway, back on topic.

When I get home Carey is there. YAY! He had an early hearing and was at home for the rest of the day. Before I went to pick up Riley at school and then proceed to take him and Victoria to the doctor for their appointment, I tell Carey that I am supposed to get some rest.

So, the laundry.

Carey, in his sweet, caring, loving and servant's heart manner, does some laundry for me while we are out and about doing all things doctor's office, pharmacy, lunch, pharmacy again. Totally without me asking. Isn't that just wonderful? And just when I thought I couldn't love him anymore.

Well, there is a reason why I don't ask him to do the laundry. (see picture at beginning of post). Sorting ... not his strong suit. He just doesn't get it. When I opened the dryer door and saw the results of his "sorting," I well, first grabbed the camera, then told him how much I soooooo appreciated him doing the laundry for me. Then, as politely as possible, trying my BEST to not sound condescending in any way, shape, form or fashion, asked him what sorting technique he used for doing the laundry, of which I was so grateful that he did. His reply:

1. Nice clothes

2. Not-so-nice clothes

Ok. Interesting.

So I guess based upon this, nice clothes are towels, underwear (white and not white), jeans, washcloths, colors, darks. Not-so-nice was everything in the kids hampers.

I guess I have no problem with the two categories, but the application is lacking quite a bit.

Oh well. He is still the greatest. And I love him even more today than yesterday. He made the effort and did it FOR ME in his Carey-like fashion. I wouldn't change a thing about it. He brings such joy to my life. After almost 12 years of marriage, I have learned not to expect Carey to adhere to my neurotic tendencies with regards to housework, taking care of the kids, driving, or anything else for that matter. One of the things I love most about him is that he is nothing like me. That is a good thing.

A S-L-O-W Day

2009-01-19T12:04:00.000-08:00

I LOVE no school days!! Riley is home. Yay. There is no rush rush to get him to school, get Victoria down for a nap, go get him at school. It is just nice and S-L-O-W round here. So nice.

There has only been one fight so far. It was over the Lightning McQueen chair we got Riley for Christmas. Curses ... I knew I should've got two! But no ... I got her the pretty polka-dotty bean bag chair. Which does she like better? You guessed it ... Lightning McQueen. Oh well.

My time has been spent on wiping noses ... mine and Victoria's, doing 7 loads of laundry (ran out of laundry soap this weekend), reading blogs (always a blast), and helping Riley do all the Lego Indiana Jones Wii moves that create welled up tears in his eyes from frustration. So he calls on me? I manage to get the job done after fifty tries and in the process loose every single last coin he has worked so hard to find ... thank you for invincibility!!

Anyway, just love these days.

Still haven't taken a shower. Yep ... still in the PJs. Will mosey on up there in a bit to take care of my appearance before hubby gets home. That would just be very bad of me to have him come home to this 5'6" mess of a lady. A little 1950s of me, but hey, we should put on our best for our husbands when we have the time. And today I have the time. Don't get me wrong ... I am not talking a ball gown and pearls. Today my best will be jeans and a t-shirt. But a little paint on the barn door and a head of hair that doesn't scream "Just got out of bed!!" is on the agenda too.

A S-L-O-W day to take it easy. To get over sickness. To plan the week. To fold the mound of laundry on the couch while watching Riley rescue the lost ark from the clutches of ... some villain.

Maybe take a bath. Well, that is just pushing it I suppose. Just a quick shower will do.

He is instructing me here on what he needs me to do next.

There is the laundry pile. That is only three loads.
Four more to go.

Playhut to the Rescue!!

2009-01-17T07:58:00.000-08:00

It was inevitable ... I have the cold that the kids have had. Yuck! Anyway, Carey desperately needs the day to clean the garage (and fix the garage door opener so that I can park my ride back in the garage).

So, I have unpacked all the Playhuts we have accumulated over the years and made the Ultimate Playhut Experience. Hoping this will occupy them while I collapse on the couch in exhaustion. We'll see. Should last for at least 15 minutes. Enough time for the cold medicine to kick in.

Lasted less than 10 minutes ... now they want to go outside. Oh well, I am sure they will return to it later today.

The best-laid plans of mice and men often ...

2009-01-14T06:19:00.000-08:00

... bite you in the back-side!

So today was going to be a busy day for us. Wednesday always are, but we had a bit more on our schedule today.

1. Get everyone up and dressed and fed.
2. Take Riley to school.
3. Do some laundry, play with Victoria, watch some Sesame Street.
4. Go to Wiggles class.
5. Drive-thru McDonalds for her and Sonic for me.
6. Run by a Goodwill donation center and finally drop off the mound of things that are in my car.
7. Go to Baylor Surgery Center and sit with Mom while Dad is having shoulder surgery.
8. Leave the center to go pick-up Riley from school.
9. Snack, play, do some more laundry, perhaps convince Victoria to take a nap, make dinner, eat dinner.
10. Go to church for children's choir followed by adult choir.
11. Get kids home and bathed and pajamed and read a short book and then to bed.
12. Collapse on the couch at 9PM and try to enjoy the rest of the evening together.

Great plan. Lots to do, but that's ok. I even packed a bag for snacks for the hospital and a bag of toys and what-not. Color wonders, doodle pro, books, dolls, DVD player, etc.

So, I didn't even get past number 1. First off, Victoria was still sleeping when I walked in her room. Not usually the case. Riley is known to be a bit loud in the morning, so she is typically already awake. She was still snoozing. Picked her up ... she was burning up. Bummer. 100.6 fever. Riley had this last week. She is all snotty and eyes are watering and cannot breath through her nose. Poor little girl ... and there goes our full day.

New plan:

1. Instead of pancakes and bananas for breakfast, it is ibuprofen and juice.
2. Instead of Wiggles, it is TV and an ibuprofen induced nap.
3. Instead of going to the hospital to sit with my mom (which I am totally bummed we can't do), it is calling to check-in on the status of it all.
4. Instead of all of us going to church tonight, it is only me and Riley.

So, the day will be spent just around the house taking care of the sick one. I have learned as a mom that your plans can change in an instant. I don't let it get to me too much. I know that the Lord is in control and that I am oblivious to most things that are going on around me. All I need to know is that He wants me to glorify Him throughout my day. And today, I will bring glory to Him by taking care of what he has given me ... a beautiful little baby girl that is full of life and joy, who happens to be all snotty and has a fever. I can definitely do that!

And maybe get some laundry done too (silver-lining).

Sitting on the couch watching Sesame Street.

I love that my kids enjoy a show that I also enjoyed as a kid. Sesame Street, so timeless. And I know what you are all thinking. Pacifier? Still? She is almost two Kim! We did get her off of it about four months ago. But she got sick in December and I brought it out again. And then we drove to Michigan, brought it out for that, too. Even bought two more at the store. So we are trying to only use while sleeping. But now she is sick, and I always give in to just about anything when the kids are sick. It is a rule I have.

I am sure we will go cold turkey again here in a week or so.

Monopoly

2009-01-12T06:19:00.000-08:00

Carey told me that this was blog-worthy.

I played Monopoly for the first time yesterday. It was Star Wars Clone Wars Monopoly, but it is essentially the same as Monopoly. The results were not pretty ... for me. After about two hours, I was forced into bankruptcy. Carey only had 5 cities on the board, but that was enough. I told him the game was over. I had noticed that I started stress eating and drinking once I had to start mortgaging my property. So after 2 Diet DPs and a half a bag of Doritos ... I called it quits. It was fun. I really love to play board games or any games for that matter. I am hoping we will do that more often. A better use of our time than zoning out in front of the TV.

We'll see.

Oh, and Riley played the game with us for the first 15 minutes. He kept taking the pieces of the board and making them fight each other. I suppose that is more fun for a 5 year old than buying properties. But once we started taking his blue money, which was the $10s I believe, he got fed up and left the table. Blue is his favorite color and I guess that just did it in for him. Go figure.

So Bummed

2009-01-05T07:11:00.000-08:00

Riley had to go back to school today. I'm so bummed. I LOVE having him at home all to myself. He is just the coolest little guy! One of my most favorite people. But, I know that he needs to go to school and be social on a daily basis. He just loves school to pieces and would be devastated if he didn't get to go. He gets bored around here ... hard to imagine with the small toy store that has developed over the Christmas holiday. He was "so exciting" (a Riley-ism) to go to school this morning. Couldn't wait to see all his buds.

So Victoria and I are having a quiet morning at home. We were going to run errands, but it is cold and rainy ... so I built a fire. We are staying in today. In fact, she is still in her PJs at 10:20. She loves her PJs.

We have added a new "Riley-ism" from our trip to Michigan. "Illinnoying" - This is what he called Illinois. And then there is the nagging question that he asked all through the state of Missouri. "Daddy, are we out of the state that we are in yet?" And you probably thought that Missouri is called the "Show-Me" state, but Riley informed us that it is "The Big Fat State." It takes a while to travel across that state ... about 6 hours or so.

Too funny. He makes us smile.

Grandpa (Carey's Dad) took these pictures in Michigan. If he said it once, he said it a thousand times "Riley, just smile. Stop goofing around." Well, I do believe Riley was having some fun with him!

Sledding in Michigan

2008-12-31T23:59:00.000-08:00

The plan was to drive to Michigan the day after Christmas. It was Christmas Day around 4PM and I had one more bag to pack. I came down stairs with little Miss after her nap and Carey says "Let's just leave tonight." My first thought was, I have been on my feet all morning and afternoon, so it might be nice to sit for the next 20 hours. So I responded "Ok." Three hours later the kids were fed, in pajamas and buckled into their car seats, the house was locked up with most of the electricity off, and the car was all packed up.

Eight movies, ten pit stops, two McDonalds, one traffic jam, four rain showers, one hour of crying, 1400 miles and 23 hours later, we pulled into Grandpa and Grandma's driveway. It took a bit longer than usual, but we arrived safely.

So, we spent our first and second day sledding. Carey's Dad and Stepmom have about 3 acres without any trees and some pretty big hills. We geared up and got to sleddin'. Victoria had a blast! "WEEEEEEEE!" were her exact words.

Ready for some sleddin'!

Riley pulling Victoria up the hill. What a great big brother!

Riley and Victoria on their way down ... for the tenth time.
Victoria has her mouth open saying "WEEEEE!"

Mommy and Riley taking a turn.

Daddy, Riley and Victoria gettin' some air!

Victoria's most favorite spot to be ... on the tractor with Grandpa.

Loading the kids in the sled.

Grandpa, Riley and Victoria

Crash landed.

Rosy-red cheeks after about two hours of sledding.

Christmas Morning

2008-12-30T08:40:00.000-08:00

We just couldn't wait any longer, so we got the kids up out of bed at 7:15AM. Victoria came downstairs to a kitchen and shopping cart full of pretend groceries and Riley to a scooter. Then Riley started opening gifts and Victoria played. She played with her toys and Riley's toys, but was not interested in anything that was wrapped. So Mommy unwrapped all her presents and set them to the side for her to notice ... eventually. Mommy, Daddy and Santa did a great job. She LOVES the kitchen. Played with it all day. Riley was busy with Lego assembling and playing with GI GI Joe (he adds the extra GI ... so cute).

Pops and Gigi stayed most of the morning and into the afternoon. Uncle Kevin and Shannon came over to play and have birthday bread for Jesus and then Uncle Corey came to play and have a late brunch. We attempted to email and send pixs to Grandma and Grandpa in Michigan all morning to share in the festivities. We had so much fun just watching the kids get so excited and playing with all their new toys.

Surprised Carey with a smoker.

Birthday Party for Jesus

Victoria had to try out Riley's scooter too